The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky says temperatures the next several days should be more typical for early January. Small chances for showers are in the forecast for today and again around the middle of next week, otherwise mainly dry conditions are forecast.
The extended forecasts are showing below normal temperatures expected in both the six-to-ten day and 8 to 14 day outlooks, with below normal precipitation in the six-to-ten day outlook and near normal in the 8 to 14 day outlook. The three to four week outlook, released earlier this week, is leaning towards below normal temperatures and equal chances for precipitation to trend above or below normal, running through February 6th.
Although some rain did fall in the area early Friday morning, the recent dry weather is contributing to continued drought conditions in the region. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, with the exception of a small strip in far-southeastern Illinois, the southern two-thirds of Illinois, including Wayne County, is in at least a Moderate Drought.
Parts of east-central Illinois are in Severe and Extreme Drought conditions.