A heat wave is expected to develop in southern Illinois and surrounding areas, lasting into at least most of next week, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky. High temperatures are expected to reach into the upper 90s starting Monday and continuing for most of the week. Dry weather is expected for most of next week as well, with only slight chances for showers and thunderstorms Thursday and Friday.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map showed no drought conditions in Illinois currently, however the hot and dry weather could change things in the next week or two. Extended forecasts running through September 11th are indicating above normal temperatures expected, with near normal precipitation.
Area rivers remain below flood stage. As of this morning the Little Wabash east of Fairfield is at 5.23 feet. At Clay City it’s at 4.7 feet. At Carmi the river is at 4.68 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.06 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is just below its 19-foot flood stage, at 17.03 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.29 feet. The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown is at 20.03 feet.