No significant rainfall is expected in the Fairfield area and the southern Illinois region the next several days, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY. Forecasters are expecting the dry conditions to continue for at least the next seven days, and likely the next couple of weeks. The area should also see an end to the growing season later this week, as low temperatures are expected to drop into the middle 20s early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. A Freeze Watch has been issued from Monday evening through Tuesday morning for temperatures possibly as low as 23 degrees. Along with the dry conditions, winds are expected to increase the next couple of days, which will keep the risk for fires at an elevated level.
Recent dry conditions have led to several field fires in the region. According to area reports, eight area fire departments were called to a fire that burned around 50 acres of soybean field stubble in a field fire southwest of Mt. Vernon, IL Friday afternoon. Jefferson County Fire Protection District officials reported the fire started as a controlled burn of tree stumps and quickly spread out of control due to the winds and dry conditions. Another brush fire was also reported near Kell Friday night that got out of control and blew into a large pile of firewood. Flames were reported shooting 15 to 20 feet into the air when firemen arrived. No buildings were threatened in either fire.
Illinois State Police investigated two wrecks that occurred on I-57 in Marion County Friday evening within minutes of each other, but did not immediately release details on the crashes. Reports said the first wreck occurred at the 109 mile marker near the Route 161 exit when a tow truck ran into the rear of a car. The second crash occurred on I-57 about two miles north of the first accident reportedly as a result of the slowdown from the first wreck. Three vehicles were involved, but no injuries were reported.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Friday they are encouraging parents and guardians in the state to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 with newly-approved bivalent vaccines. The announcement came just a few days after the CDC recommended the updated booster shots approved by the FDA, which targets specific coronavirus strains. IDPH officials also recommended children get their flu shot as the flu season gets underway. Experts say children can receive both vaccinations at the same time. The IDPH reported 10,416 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus in Illinois Friday, including 52 deaths since October 7th.
Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.96 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.13 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 3.26 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.06 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 2.42 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet.