Most of Illinois abnormally dry, some experiencing drought conditions

Persistently dry conditions and summer-like temperatures have pushed parts of Illinois into moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the Illinois State Climatologist.

The latest update from the U. S. Drought Monitor shows 77% of the state experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions.

Portions of DuPage and Will counties are considered as being in moderate drought conditions.

July was one of the five wettest ever recorded in Illinois, but August and the first half of September have seen barely any precipitation.

Most of southern Illinois and parts of northeast and western Illinois have seen less than 2 inches of rain since Aug. 1, which is 2 to 4 inches below normal, according to the state climatologist.

In addition to the lack of rainfall, the intense heat wave in late August and above-normal temperatures in September have made dry conditions worse.

Temperatures are expected to remain above 80 degrees across northern Illinois through the end of the week, with a slight chance of rain forecast this weekend.