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 The statewide average temperature was 24.1 degrees, 2.3 degrees
below normal. The month started with temperatures below zero,
and then fluctuated between two unusually cold and unusually
warm periods. The warmest reading for the month was 68 degrees
at Jerseyville on January 22. The coldest reading for the month
was -24 degrees at Morrison on January 1.
The statewide average precipitation (rain and water content of
snow) was only 1.31 inches, 0.76 inches below normal. The
largest precipitation total for the month was 4.07 inches at
Rosiclare in Hardin County. Most of the state received 1 to 1.5
inches of precipitation with drier patches in northern and
western Illinois and much of southern Illinois. Overall, most of
the state was within an inch of normal.
The largest snowfall total for the month was 9.3 inches,
reported at both Lake Villa and Gurnee. By the end of the month,
little snow remained on the ground in Illinois and nearby
states.
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By the end of January, 54.9 percent of the state was
either abnormally dry or in the early stages of drought, according
to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Although January was somewhat dry,
especially in the region around St. Louis, the overall drought
conditions are the result of many months of dryness. In winter,
drought conditions evolve very slowly with few demands on water
supplies and soil moisture.
According to the National Weather Service, the
outlook for February in Illinois shows that the northern half of
Illinois has an increased chance of being colder than normal.
However, climate conditions do not favor either above or below
normal temperatures for the rest of the state. Although Northeastern
Illinois has an increased chance of above normal precipitation,
climate conditions do not favor either above or below normal
precipitation for the rest of the state.
[Lisa Sheppard] |
