(5:00PM Thursday, October 5th, 2023) The latest NOAA drought monitor update valid Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, shows that much of Illinois continues to experience abnormally dry (D0) to severe drought (D2) conditions. Consistent and/or widespread rainfall has been sort of hit or miss across the state over the past two months or so. This has led to a renewed worsening of drought conditions in some areas, while other areas have seen improvement in conditions. The weather pattern will support little in the way of chances for widespread and/or consistent rainfall across the state until perhaps late next week. Because of this, drought conditions will likely maintain in many areas.
Impacts…
•Widespread abnormally dry (D0) to severe drought (D2) conditions exist across much of the state, as of the drought monitor update valid Tuesday, October 3rd.
•Drought conditions have generally been maintained in most areas since the previous update on September 28th.
•Consistent and/or widespread rainfall chances are not expected across the state until perhaps late next week. Because of this, drought conditions will likely maintain in many areas.
The next drought monitor update will be on Thursday, October 12th.
