Some cooler weather is expected to move into the region as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday period. More rain chances are in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky. High temperatures are expected to drop to the 40s by Thanksgiving Day.
The extended forecasts indicate below normal temperatures for the six to ten day outlook and near normal temperatures for the 8 to 14 day outlook, through December 5th. Above normal precipitation is expected. The 30 day outlook for December was released Thursday. It shows slightly below normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation expected.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map was released Thursday, prior to the rainfall that fell in the area on Friday. There wasn’t much change with the map. It still shows most of central Illinois in Severe Drought conditions and east-central Illinois in Extreme Drought conditions.
Area river stages as of this morning: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 4.45 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.15 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 3.25 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 4.97 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 3.36 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.93 feet.