This weekend is expected to be colder but on the dry side, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky. Other than the possibility of a few sprinkles or flurries today, the next chance of rain isn’t in the forecast until later next week.
The lack of significant rainfall lately has resulted in drought conditions continuing to expand in Illinois. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released Thursday, now shows most of Wayne, Clay, Jefferson and Marion counties in southern Illinois in Severe Drought conditions. The area of Extreme Drought has also expanded and now includes most of east-central Illinois.
The extended weather forecasts do indicate the possibilities of drought conditions improving. The six to ten forecast indicates above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The 8 to 14 day outlook, the latest 3 to 4 week outlook and the 30 day outlook for March all favor above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.