Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky say the region has a pretty good chance for several rounds of rainfall and possibly some thunderstorms next week. Some chances for rain and snow showers are also in the forecast for this weekend. Forecasters say there is a small chance for some slushy snow accumulations on grassy and elevated surfaces. At this time, no major impacts are expected.
Forecasts are indicating several disturbances expected to move through the region most of next week, bringing nearly daily chances for rain to the area. Over an inch of rainfall is possible this coming week, and longer-range forecasts are indicating several inches of rainfall is a possibility over the next couple of weeks.
The rainfall could put a sizable dent into the drought conditions the area is experiencing. The latest U.S. Drought Mointor Map shows the southern three-quarters of Illinois in at least Moderate Drought conditions, except for areas near St. Louis. Wayne County and areas to the west are in Severe Drought conditions. Much of east-central Illinois is in Extreme Drought conditions.
The six to ten day, 8 to 14 day and the three to four week forecasts, running through March 27th, are all indicating above normal temperatures expected for the area, along with above normal precipitation chances.