Some rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Francine are moving through the southern Illinois region this weekend, bringing the area some rainfall, but it’s not expected to be enough to have major impacts on area rivers and the ongoing drought situation.
Prior to the rainfall, which began overnight Thursday and into Friday morning, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released Thursday, showed the southern Illinois region in at least Abnormally Dry conditons. Most of Wayne County was shown in Abnormally Dry conditons, with areas to the east and south in a Moderate Drought, and the southern tip of Illinois into Severe Drought conditions. Areas north of Wayne County were shown in Abnormally Dry conditions, with the central part of the state not under any dry conditions.
The latest forecast only shows small chances for rain through this weekend, then a return of dry conditions, with a gradual warmup, with high temperatures into the mid to upper 80s. The extended forecasts are showing above normal temperatures continuing, with near to below-normal precipitation through September 27th.
So far, the rain hasn’t had much effect on area rivers. As of this morning the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.32 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 3.97 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the reading is 3.25 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 4.99 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 2.56 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is sitting at 1.15 feet.
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