Drought in Stark, Illinois

Moderate Drought (D1) was present at the start of the month. Continued below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures led to a worsening of the drought, with Severe Drought (D2) developing during the first week of the month and continuing through the end of the month.

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.