Illinois August and summer
hotter than average in 2002

[SEPT. 5, 2002]  ^"It was the 24th warmest August and the 14th warmest summer in Illinois since 1895," says Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"August also was the 24th wettest since 1895, with a statewide average of 4.36 inches (119 percent of average), despite dry conditions in southern Illinois south of I-70, where August rainfall totals dipped below 2 inches (60 percent of average)," says Angel.

The warmest and coldest temperatures were at Grand Tower (104 on Aug. 5) and Mount Carroll (48 on Aug. 18). Rockford reported the largest one-day rainfall total, 5.92 inches on Aug. 22, a little more than half the largest monthly total, which was 11.44 inches at Barrington.

"Statewide, temperatures averaged 75 (1.4 degrees above average) for August and slightly higher (75.7, or 2 degrees above average) for summer (June-August)," says Angel.

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"Heavy August rains over large portions of central and northern Illinois, combined with heavy rains late in July, have eliminated any precipitation deficit caused by the dry weather that began in June. Rainfall in these areas was 110 to 120 percent of average for the entire summer. These rains have been timely for the final development of corn and soybeans and have left soil moisture and stream flow in good shape. However, southern Illinois has received little rainfall, with southeastern Illinois at 59 percent of average for August and 57 percent of average for summer," continues Angel.

"National Weather Service forecasts are calling for a return of warm, dry conditions over the next two weeks, so southern Illinois should not expect relief any time soon. The good news about heat in September is that the days are getting shorter and the humidity is dropping. This means the ability of the weather to remain hot diminishes with each passing week," concludes Angel.

[Illinois State Water Survey press release]

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