The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday, shows Wayne County remains in a Moderate Drought. However, Jefferson County and areas to the southwest in Illinois are now in Severe Drought conditions. Most of southern Illinois is shown in Moderate Drought conditions, and the southern two-thirds of Illinois is at least abnormally dry, as the region has went close to two weeks without significant rainfall.
The latest forecast shows rain chances beginning later this weekend, and continuing into next week. Heavier rainfall is a possibility early next week. Temperatures should cool closer to normal levels. The extended forecasts continue to favor above normal temperatures, with the six to ten day outlook showing above normal temperatures expected for the entire lower 48 United States. The 8 to 14 day outlook and the three to four week outlook, running through November 27th, also favor above normal temperatures.
Area rivers remain well below flood stage with the lack of rainfall. The Little Wabash River east of Fairfield, as of this morning, is at 4.3 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet.