2016 5th warmest on record for IL

CHAMPAIGN – Last year was the fifth warmest on record for Illinois as temperatures were 2.4 degrees above normal.

State climatologist Jim Angel with the Illinois State Water Survey in Champaign-Urbana reports statewide precipitation just below normal for 2016 at 39.6 inches. Areas in northern and southern Illinois saw above normal precipitation with below normal amounts in the western part of the state.

According to Angel, December was cold and dry with a statewide average temperature 1.3 degrees below normal and precipitation at 1.4 inches, which is about half of normal. Snowfall was heaviest north of I-80 with lighter amounts in Central Illinois.

“Areas south of Interstate 70 have received little or no snow in December,” Angel said.

The forecast shows high pressure dominating early this week with precipitation chances Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Mild conditions will continue through next weekend,” added Angel.