Drought in Lee, Illinois

Severe drought conditions developed across much of northern and northeastern Illinois during the middle and latter parts of October. Precipitation over the area was far below normal for the month. The Rockford Airport recorded just 0.79 of rain for the entire month, 2.63 below their October normal. Chicago-O'Hare fell 2.25 short of normal having recorded 1.18, while the NWS Chicago office in Romeoville recorded 0.95 during October falling 2.72 shy of normal. Numerous wildfires occurred in October around NWS Chicago's county warning area, including one near Herscher in Kankakee County that destroyed over 300 acres worth of crops. The severe drought continued into November.