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The warmer weather experienced throughout the
state in May has led to higher than normal soil temperatures. At
depths of 4 inches under bare soil, temperatures averaged 71
degrees on May 15, 6 degrees above the long-term average. Daily
highs have risen to the high 80s and low 90s.
Soil temperatures have risen an average of 9 degrees since the
beginning of May. Northern Illinois did see lower temperatures
the second week of the month as cooler weather moved into the
area. However, temperatures have been rising in the region with
an average of 67 degrees on May 15.
Soil moisture levels at 2 inches increased an average of 6
percent between May 1 and May 15. Levels dropped 22 percent
during this period in southern Illinois as the area experienced
warmer, drier weather. In the north, however, moisture levels
increased 76 percent due to the cooler, wetter conditions
occurring the second week of the month.
The Illinois State Water Survey’s WARM Program collects hourly
and daily weather and soil information at 19 stations across the
state. Daily and monthly summaries can be found at the WARM
website -
http://www.isws. illinois.edu/warm/, and in the Illinois
Water and Climate Summary -http://
www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/climate.asp
[Lisa A. Sheppard]
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