 April precipitation was
4.7 inches, 23 percent above average. Combined with wet conditions
in January, February and March, the year-to-date total is 17.1
inches. Only 1950 and 1898 were wetter, with 18.2 and 17.2 inches of
precipitation, respectively.
In recent times, only 1998 started out the year with comparable
precipitation, with 14.8 inches.
This year marked the second-wettest December-April (21.2 inches)
and the wettest February-April (14.3 inches) since statewide records
began in 1895.
The significantly above-average precipitation has caused
widespread flooding of rivers and streams at times this winter and
spring. Currently, wet soils and the lack of extended periods with
warm, dry conditions have been blamed for planting delays throughout
the state.
April statewide temperatures averaged 51.4 degrees, 0.9 degrees
below average. This continued a pattern of below-average
temperatures since February.
The National Weather Service forecast indicates that cooler,
wetter conditions will prevail in Illinois for the next two weeks.
The outlook for May calls for an increased chance of above-average
precipitation and below-average temperatures.
"This forecast indicates that we will continue to struggle with
planting delays in May," says Angel.
[Text from file received from the Illinois
State Water Survey]
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