Drought in Piatt, Illinois

Due to a multi-month precipitation deficit dating back to the Fall of 2025, Extreme Drought (D3) was ongoing at the start of the month. Central Illinois then experienced one of the driest Februarys on record, and the Extreme Drought (D3) then persisted through the end of the month. Streamflows and soil moisture values across the region ranged from well below normal to near record lows. There were reports that dry wells necessitated water hauling, and a burn ban was implemented for the county.

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.