Wayne County is now listed under Abnormally Dry conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday. It shows parts of southwestern Illinois in Abormally Dry conditions, and parts in Moderate Drought conditions, following recent rainfall in the region.
The latest six-to-ten day and 8-to-14 day extended forecasts, which currently run through April 5th, show normal temperatures expected for southern Illinois, along with above-normal precipitation.
As far as area river stages, they remain below flood stage. As of this morning, the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 8.2 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 6.3 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river stands at 6.74 feet, below the 27-foot flood stage. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.41 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 8.83. Flood stage at Mt. Carmel is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns as of this morning is at 2.13 feet.