Drought — Sangamon, Illinois

2025-11-01 to 2025-11-30 · Sangamon, Illinois

Event narrative

Due to a three-month precipitation deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. Slightly below normal precipitation persisted during November, with the official observation for Springfield measuring 2.60 of precipitation which was 0.11 below normal. These conditions led to a persistence of the Severe Drought (D2) through November. Lake Springfield water levels were approximately three feet below normal.

Wider weather episode

For the fourth month in a row, much of the area experienced below normal precipitation, with deficits of 1 to 2 in most areas during the month of November. Temperatures were near or slightly above normal. These conditions led to a persistence or worsening of the ongoing severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought over the course of the month. Streamflows and lake levels remained below normal, including near record low streamflows on eastern portions of the Sangamon River (upstream of Lake Decatur). In response to these drought conditions, some communities implemented burn bans or voluntary water rationing. Some agricultural impacts were noted, including a wreath selling business that had to cancel sales due to impacts on the evergreen crop.

Precipitation was well below normal across all of central and southeast Illinois, with most sites reporting a deficit between 1 and 2 inches. Drought conditions persisted or worsened. Monthly average streamflows across most of central and southeast Illinois were classified below normal, including near record low flow on portions of the eastern Sangamon River. Temperatures were near to slightly above normal.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1300523. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.