A warm weekend is expected for the southeastern Illinois region, followed by temperatures returning closer to normal to start next week.
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky shows small rain chances late Sunday, and more rain chances returning by the middle of the week. The extended forecasts show near normal temperatures in the six to ten day outlook, and below normal precipitation expected. The 8 to 14 day outlook favors above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. Looking further ahead, the latest three to four week outlook, released Friday for April 4th through 17th, shows above normal temperatures and precipitation expected, and the latest 30-day outlook, released Thursday for April, favors above normal temperatures and precipitation.
Recent rainfall has put a dent in the area’s drought conditions. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released Thursday, shows Wayne County and areas to the southwest still in Moderate Drought conditions. The Severe and Extreme Drought conditions are now in central Illinois.