Drought in Stark, Illinois

Due to a four-month precipitation deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. While Severe Drought (D2) persisted for much of the month, above normal snowfall occurred during December and a frontal system brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to the area late in the month. This resulted in drought conditions improving to Moderate Drought (D1) by December 30th.

For the fifth consecutive month, much of the region experienced below normal precipitation, with deficits generally between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for the month of December. Temperatures were above normal for much of autumn, but fell below normal during December. While precipitation was below normal for the month, disturbances in late November and throughout the month of December did provide enough precipitation to lead to localized improvements in the drought, particularly south of I-72 and in areas to the west and north of Peoria. Elsewhere, the ongoing drought persisted through the month, but did not worsen. Streamflows and lake levels remained below normal.