Drought in Knox, Illinois

Drought conditions worsened and became Severe (D2) during the month. A cooperative observed in Galesburg measured just 0.03 inches of precipitation during February, which was 1.84 inches below normal. Dating back to last September, the precipitation deficit for Galesburg was over 7 inches. The Severe Drought (D2) persisted through the end of the month. Streamflows and soil moisture values across the region ranged from well below normal to near record lows.

A drier than normal winter concluded with one of the driest Februarys on record across central and southeast Illinois. In Lincoln, only 0.08 inches of rainfall occurred during the month. Dating back to September 2025, precipitation deficits of 6 to 10 inches were common across the region. Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) Drought conditions worsened during February 2026, with a notable uptick in reported impacts and community restrictions (such as water rationing and burn bans). Streamflows, water levels, and soil moisture content ranged from well below normal to near record lows.