For the first time in several weeks, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map has removed all of the drought conditions from Wayne County and the state of Illinois, as the result of recent rainfall.
The map for this past Wednesday, released on Thursday, shows Abnormally Dry conditions in the north and west portions of Wayne County and several counties to the north and west of that area. Another area of Abnormally Dry conditions is in the west-central tip of Illinois. The rest of the state is shown with no dry or drought conditions.
The extended forecasts, which run through February 16th, show above normal temperatures expected to continue, with above normal precipitation for the six-to-ten day outlook, which runs from February 8th through 12th.
Here’s the latest on area river stages as of this morning, most of which are now below flood stage: the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 24.42 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the river stands at 10.31 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. The reading at Carmi is 25.86 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 6.03 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 17.48 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 3.51 feet.