Precipitation Significant Throughout Illinois in March

Snow in the North and Rain in the South

[April 07, 2008]  CHAMPAIGN -- While northern Illinois received more snow in March, southern Illinois received heavy rain that resulted in significant flooding. Rainfall totals in southern Illinois, south of Interstate 70, generally exceeded 6 inches in March, and amounts over 10 inches were very common, according to Jim Angel, state climatologist, of the Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The two largest observed monthly totals came from Anna, with 15.51 inches of rain, and Fairfield, with 11.91 inches. Regional rainfall totals were impressive.

For southwestern Illinois, this was the third-wettest March on record, with 9.47 inches. Southeastern Illinois experienced its fourth-wettest March on record, with 10.47 inches. On the other extreme, Yorkville, near Chicago, reported only 0.92 inches -- reflecting the strong variation in precipitation across the state.

Statewide precipitation in March was 4.48 inches, 1.27 inches above normal. Snowfall was common throughout the state in March; however, the heavier amounts were limited to the northern part of the state, with amounts of 6 inches or more along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Antioch reported 16 inches of snow, bringing their seasonal total to 95.4 inches. This is their second-snowiest winter since 1978-1979, when they received 105.1 inches.

Statewide temperatures averaged 38.4 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal. Belleville reported the highest temperature in the state, 77 degrees on March 2, while Elizabeth reported the lowest, 2 below zero on March 8.

The National Weather Service forecast for the next two weeks and the outlook for the month of April suggest that wetter-than-normal conditions will continue, especially in southern Illinois. As a result, the National Weather Service is calling for ongoing localized river flooding through at least mid-April across the state. The soil moisture outlook for the next two weeks shows some drying in northern Illinois. However, soils will remain extremely wet in southern Illinois.

"This forecast indicates that we will have continued flooding problems in southern Illinois, and soon planting delays will become a concern," Angel said.

[Text from Illinois Department of Natural Resources file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]