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Record precipitation and wetter-than-average conditions in December
and January have made this the third-wettest winter on record, with
11.32 inches, which is 4.63 inches above average. Snowfall totals
for February have been impressive as well. Typical amounts totaled
20-30 inches in northern Illinois, 10-20 inches in central Illinois
and 4-10 inches in southern Illinois. Antioch reported the largest
monthly snowfall total of 37.1 inches and the largest seasonal
snowfall of 72.4 inches. Seasonal amounts of 50-60 inches were
common along the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
The statewide average temperature for February was 25.2 degrees,
5.2 degrees below average. The monthly average temperature in
February can vary widely from year to year, ranging from 16.9
degrees in 1978 to 39.9 degrees in 1998. As a result, this February
ranks as only the 25th-coldest since 1895.
"Everyone asks me when spring will get here," said Angel. "While
bouts of winter weather are possible through March, especially in
northern Illinois, they will become fewer and farther between. Once
we get past this week, the National Weather Service forecast
indicates that we will see temperatures more typical of this time of
year, with highs in the 40s and 50s."
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Disclaimer: Data used for all statistics provided herein are from
the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and are based on preliminary
data.
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On the Web:
Illinois State Climatologist Office:
http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/atmos/statecli/index.htm
[Text from file received from Illinois
State Water Survey] |
