Mainly cold and dry weather is expected for the southern Illinois region for next week. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky says no major rain or snow systems are expected for the next several days. There are small chances for precip starting tonight, which could include some rain and freezing rain late, and more precip chances the middle of next week.
The extended forecasts through December 19th indicate temperatures running below normal and precipitation also running below normal.
Area river stages are as follows: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 3.81 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.71 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 3.69 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.09 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 3.85 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.53 feet.