Drought — Coles, Illinois

2025-10-01 to 2025-10-21 · Coles, Illinois

Event narrative

Due to a two-month rainfall deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. During October, the cooperative weather observer in Charleston measured 2.48 inches of rainfall, which was 1.46 inches below normal. The observer only measured 0.01 inches of rain during the first 17 days of the month, and Extreme Drought (D3) was present from October 7th through October 21st. Some communities had burn bans in place due to these conditions. Nearly all of the aforementioned monthly rainfall occurred during a two-day stretch in mid-October, which led to conditions improving to Moderate Drought (D1) after October 21st.

Wider weather episode

For the third month in a row, much of the area experienced below normal rainfall, with deficits of 1-3 inches in most areas north of I-70. Temperatures were also well above normal during the first half of the month. These conditions led to persistence or worsening of the ongoing severe drought over the course of the month. Streamflows and lake levels remained below normal, some communities implemented burn bans, and isolated, voluntary water restrictions began. Areas near and south of I-70 saw near normal precipitation, which led to some improvement of the drought conditions during the second half of the month.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1294959. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.