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Abnormally dry conditions not only expanded during the third
week of June, but with the latest round of hot conditions, they
also intensified. According to the latest Drought Monitor,
nearly the entire state was rated abnormally dry to in drought.
"The drought across the area continues to worsen, with portions
of our area now in the 'Severe' category," the National Weather
Service in Chicago said in an update. "Much of our area has seen
less than 25% of the normal rainfall in the past 30 days, and
the long-range forecasts do not look favorable widespread,
soaking rain."
United State Department of Agriculture Illinois State
Statistician Mark Schleusener said corn and soybean crops have
deteriorated.
In the latest USDA Illinois crop progress and condition report,
18% of soybeans were considered very poor to poor, while 20% of
the corn crop was considered very poor to poor.
“It's not good,” Paul Otto of Freese-Notis Weather told the RFD
Radio Network. “High pressure over the Great Lakes blocks the
progression of any rain shields.”
Illinois has suffered from flash droughts since mid-April. Only
three months ago, the state had no drought conditions at all.
There is a glimmer of hope in the near future as rain is being
forecast for this weekend for many parts of the state.
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