Concerns over dryness vanish

CHAMPAIGN – Following one of the warmest Junes on record with dry conditions, July appears to have been only a few degrees warmer than the long-term average.

Above average temperatures this summer have helped moved crops along ever since the cool April and May period. The return of a wet pattern in July was extremely beneficial to the growing regions.

“Significant rain in central and southern Illinois over the last three weeks has alleviated nearly all drier than normal conditions in those areas of the state,” said State Climatologist Trent Ford.

A trough has been established over the central part of the country bringing cooler than normal conditions. The 6-10 day outlook shows strong chances of below average temperatures sticking around into the second week of August with the highest odds of near normal precipitation over the same time period.