Drought in Effingham, Illinois

Due to a two-month rainfall deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. Well below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures occurred during the first half of the month, with the cooperative weather observer in Effingham measuring just 0.05 inches of rain through October 17th. Several communities implemented burn bans, and Lake Shelbyville water levels were about 1.5 feet below normal. An appreciable rainfall event occurred on October 18-19th, with the cooperative weather observer measuring 3.59 inches of rainfall. This resulted in drought conditions improving to Moderate Drought (D1) by October 21st.

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.