As we close out the month of September and head into October, fairly quiet and seasonable weather is expected, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky.
The next few days are expected to be dry with temperatures close to normal for this time of year. The next chance of rain is in the forecast for this coming Wednesday. The longer range forecasts indicate above normal temperatures and precipitation in the six to ten day outlook, while the 8 to 14 day outlook for October 3rd through 9th shows temperatures near normal and above normal precipitation.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map is not showing any drought conditions in Illinois, although it does show the southern half of Illinois, including Wayne County, in Abnormally Dry conditions.
Area rivers are low. The latest stages as of this morning: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 5.42 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 4.89 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 2.19 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 2.43 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 6.5 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 1.28 feet, and the Ohio River at Old Shawneetown is at 24.35 feet.