CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The lack of rain recently is increasing the risk of drought throughout Illinois.
Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties are currently rated as ‘abnormally dry’ in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor readings. Portions of Chicago and Quincy are at a moderate level of drought.
State Climatologist Trent Ford says a dry pattern has been in place since mid-April, with some places having more than two inches below normal levels of rain in May.
Ford says the drought conditions have not had a major impact on the state yet.
“Right now, things aren’t really all that bad. We’ve heard about some impacts of soils cracking in some parts of the state, and some more sensitive, drought sensitive perennials in young trees dropping leaves, yards that are slow growth. That really gives you an indication of where we’re at this time of the year,” Ford said.
Ford adds that there’s no reason to be concerned yet from an agricultural standpoint. But he says conditions could worsen in the final week of May, with dry and hot conditions forecasted.
The next forecasted chance of rain is expected at the end of next week.
He suggests people should increase watering efforts at home to combat potential drought.
