Illinois Teeters on Flash Drought Conditions

Concerns over drought are already growing in Illinois. The state has little-to-no precipitation in the forecast, leading to conditions suitable for rapid on-set drought. While emergence and current crop conditions are good, farmers are starting to see dusty fields.

Only 2% of the state is experiencing D1 moderate drought conditions, but nearly 46% is abnormally dry. Topsoil moisture supplies are rated 4% as very short, 14% short, 65% adequate and 17% surplus. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says there’s not much farmers can do if their crops are already in the ground, however subsoil moisture content provides hope that roots can access moisture deeper underground.

Read more on Illinois impending drought conditions here.