Drought — Champaign, Illinois

2025-10-01 to 2025-10-31 · Champaign, Illinois

Event narrative

Due to a two-month rainfall deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. The cooperative observer located three miles south of Champaign measured 1.53 inches of rainfall during October, which was 1.82 inches below normal. Temperatures were also well above normal during the first half of the month. Drought conditions worsened to Extreme Drought (D3) by October 14th, and remained extreme through the end of the month. A burn ban that began in September was continued through October.

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 1294960. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.