Despite a decent shower that popped up in Fairfield late Thursday afternoon, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released Thursday, now shows the entire state of Illinois in Abnormally Dry or drought conditions.
The map shows western Wayne County and areas to the west in Severe Drought conditions. The remainder of central and southern Illinois is in Moderate Drought conditions. The current forecast is calling for some rain chances later next week. However the extended forecasts, running through October 17th, are favoring above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The 30 day outlook for the month of October also favors above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.
Area rivers remain on the low side. As of this morning the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.19 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 3.86 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 3.21 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 4.86 feet, below the 15-foot flood stage. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 2.55 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns reads 1.55 feet.
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