Illinois climatologist: Rain won't change drought conditions
Share and Follow


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Rain fell for the first time in weeks in parts of Central Illinois, but it won’t be enough to end the drought and we’ll continue to see the effects of the drought for the foreseeable future.

State climatologist Trent Ford said he was getting readings of less than an inch in areas that got rain on Tuesday.

Ford said one good thing about the dreary wet weather is that it’ll reduce evaporation due to cloud cover. But, Ford also said it’ll take a lot more rain than what we saw to reverse the drought conditions.

“What we need is not just one big event, but several wet months consecutively throughout the rest of the fall, the winter into the spring to kind of dig us out of the, you know, the deficit that we have right now,” Ford said.

The misting we got will most likely put a hold on field fires for a couple of days, but after that, the risk will return. The lack of rain has been straining our river systems, and the implications could carry on through next spring.

Ford said the drought could hurt communities’ water supplies… especially towns who use reservoirs.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Authorities Identify Suspect in Fatal North Augusta Sprint Store Shooting

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. () – In collaboration with the South Carolina Law…

Enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween with Clear Skies Before Showers Arrive Sunday

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Thursday brought a day of overcast skies and…

FBI Foils Potential Terror Plot in Michigan: Inside the Successful Operation

In a significant development over the Halloween weekend, the FBI has apprehended…

Unlocking Cultural Richness: Elementary Students Dive into Día de Los Muertos Traditions

In Savannah, Georgia, students at Carrie E. Gould Elementary School are delving…

Mahomet Football Icon Makes Triumphant Return as Rival Coach: A Homecoming with a Twist

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) – An exciting clash is set for Saturday as…

Rising Demand Strains Lowcountry Charities Ahead of SNAP Deadline

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — In the Lowcountry, organizations assisting those in need are…

Get Paid $1,000 to Taste Test Thanksgiving Pies: An Opportunity You Can’t Resist

If you have a penchant for pastries, there’s a sweet opportunity on…

Georgia’s Week 10 Football Showdown: Highlights and Key Matchups of the 2025 Season

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets maintain their undefeated streak,…