Text Products for DGT Issued by LOT

Drought Information Statement
Issued by NWS Chicago, IL
Versions: 1 2
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AXUS73 KLOT 232108
DGTLOT
ILC007-031-037-043-089-097-111-201-302115-

Drought Information Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
408 PM CDT Thu Sep 23 2021

...Severe to Extreme Drought Conditions Present Across Portions
of Far Northern Illinois...

SYNOPSIS...
Most areas of northern Illinois continue to have significant
rainfall deficits for the year. As an example, Rockford, Illinois
has reported just under 16 inches of rain to date for the year.
This is nearly 14 inches below normal and ranks as one of the
driest years in Rockford`s 115 year period of record. Similar
rainfall deficits are present across much of far northern Illinois
(generally along and north of I-88). While the area did see some
drought improvement for a period late this past summer, the area
has recently shifted back into a very dry pattern, with little
rain reported over the past few weeks. Through the first 3 weeks
of September, rainfall amounts have been running 25 to 50 percent
of normal across a good portion of northern IL. Drought conditions
have thus begun to deteriorate again across much of the area.

Extreme drought conditions are again present across northern Lake
county IL, with moderate to severe drought conditions in place
elsewhere across much of north central and far northeastern
Illinois.


SUMMARY OF IMPACTS...
Volunteer observers across far northern Illinois indicate much
lower then typical stream flows on area creeks and rivers,
particularly along Beaver Creek and the Kishwaukee River.
Reports also indicate that lawns have gone dormant and there has
been some stress to the trees. Few impacts to agriculture have
been received recently, though the dry conditions and stressed
crops have resulted in an early start to the harvest season across
northern Illinois. Data available from the Illinois State Water
Survey, USGS, and NCEP indicate that soil moisture, groundwater,
and surface water levels remain below normal.


CLIMATE SUMMARY...
Over the last 30 days, rainfall in most of northern Illinois has
ranged from 25% to 50% of average. These recent dry conditions
have lead to deteriorating drought across northern IL,
particularly along and north of I-88 where the largest annual
rainfall deficits, in excess of 12 inches, reside.


PRECIPITATION/TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK...
The only good chance for rain in the next 7 days is Friday night.
While a large portion of the area should see some rain during this
period, amounts will be light, with amounts generally under half
an inch forecast. Dry and unseasonably warm conditions are
forecast next week, with highs in the 80s.

The Climate Prediction Center`s (CPC) 30-Day Outlook suggests
that there is a strong signal for above normal temperatures. There
is also a small signal for above average precipitation, but
confidence is low.


HYDROLOGIC SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK...
For most rivers in northern Illinois streamflow values are below
average for this time of year. Without additional rainfall, water
levels may fall below the low water thresholds, especially on
smaller streams.

At many locations groundwater and soil moisture remain below
average. Without additional rainfall, soil moisture and
groundwater levels will remain at low levels.


NEXT ISSUANCE DATE...
The next update is expected by late October. Additional drought
statements may be issued if drought conditions worsen or change
significantly.

&&

RELATED WEB SITES...
Additional information on current drought conditions may be found
at the following web addresses:

U.S. Drought Monitor: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
NOAA Drought Page: http://www.drought.noaa.gov
Climate Prediction Center (CPC): http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Illinois State Climatologist:
http://www.isiw.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli
Illinois Drought Task Force:
http://www.isiw.illinois.edu/hilites/drought
U.S. Drought Impact Reporter: http://droughtreporter.unl.edu
Indiana State Climate Office:
https://climate.agry.purdue.edu/climate

ADDITIONAL RIVER INFORMATION...
NWS: http://water.weather.gov/ahps
USGS: http://water.usgs.gov
USACE: http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...
The drought monitor is a multi-agency effort involving the
National Weather Service AND National Climatic Data Center, the
USDA, state and regional center climatologists and The National
Drought Mitigation Center. Information for this statement has
been gathered from NWS and FAA observation sites, state
cooperative extension services, the USDA, USACE, and the USGS.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS...
If you have any questions or comments about this drought
information statement please contact:

National Weather Service
333 W University Dr
Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: 815-834-0600
E-mail: nws.chicago@noaa.gov

$$

KJB
National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office
