The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky says warmer temperatures are expected to move into the region following this weekend, with another stretch of high temperatures well into the 50s and 60s later next week. Mainly dry weather is also expected, with no rain in the forecast until Thursday.
Despite the calendar saying it’s early January, drought conditions continue in Illinois. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released Thursday, Wayne County and areas to the north and west are in Moderate Drought conditions. Far-southern Illinois is Abnormally Dry. Most of East-Central Illinois is in Severe and Extreme Drought conditions. Only the immediate Chicago area is not in at least Abnormally Dry conditions.
The extended forecasts are indicating the warmer temperatures should continue into the middle of the month. The six to ten day outlook favors well above normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation, which should help alleviate the dry conditions. The 8 to 14 day outlook favors above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation, through January 16th. The 30-day outlook for January shows equal chances for above or below normal temperatures and precipitation.
Area rivers are as follows: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.82 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.79 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 3.67 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City reads 5.16 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 3.87 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.9 feet.