Drought in Menard, Illinois

Due to a four-month precipitation deficit, Severe Drought (D2) was ongoing at the start of the month. However, multiple disturbances during the second half of November produced sufficient precipitation to improve the drought conditions to Moderate Drought (D1) by December 2nd.

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.