With no significant rainfall in the region for the past several weeks, abnormally dry and drought conditions are making a return to the state of Illinois. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map from Thursday, all of southern Illinois is at least in Abnormally Dry conditions, including Wayne and surrounding counties. Parts of Wabash and Lawrence counties are now into Moderate Drought conditions, as well as far southern Illinois near the Ohio River and areas near St. Louis. Parts of western and northeastern Illinois are also shown in Abnormally Dry conditions. The latest weather forecast from the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky shows dry conditions for the next week, with no mention of rainfall until next Friday, when a slight chance of rain is in the forecast.
Looking at the extended forecasts, the six to ten day outlook shows above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation expected, as well as the 8 to 14 day outlook, running through September 20th.
With the lack of rainfall, area rivers remain on the low side. The stages as of this morning are as follows: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.5 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.12 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 3.33 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 4.95 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 2.71 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.21 feet.
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