Photos: Drought conditions visible across the Illinois Valley

A tiny stream is all that flows through Split Rock Lake into the Illinois River on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in La Salle. According to the Illinois State Climatologist, the combination of drier than normal conditions in April and May and warmer than normal weather throughout much of the past three weeks has taken a toll on soil moisture and streamflow. Streamflow in many streams in northern and central Illinois is well below normal for the start of summer. (Scott Anderson)