The latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor has brought drought conditions back into Central Illinois.
After a few weeks of abnormally dry conditions growing in the region, the declaration comes as rainfall totals have been in some areas less than 1/2 of normal for the month of April and May.
The drought monitor is classified on a scale from abnormally dry (D0) through exceptional drought (D4). A classification of moderate drought (D1) is the first official step towards drought, with increasing severity including severe drought (D2) and extreme drought (D3).
When moderate drought is declared, the following can be expected; “Some damage to crops, pastures, fire risk high, streams, reservoirs or wells low, some water shortage developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested,” according to the Drought Monitor.
This comes after Gibson City was one of the first to declare water restrictions in Central Illinois.
Included in the Moderate Drought area is Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, Mattoon-Charleston, Pontiac and Peoria, with the Moderate Conditions expanding northwestward towards the Quad Cities.
Other areas in Illinois experiencing moderate drought conditions includes the Chicago Metro, Western Illinois near Quincy and a small part of the St. Louis East Metro area, centered around Alton.
Dr. Trent Ford of the Illinois State Water Survey says the drought conditions aren’t as bad as they could be.
“We have not seen many signs of stress or impacts to crops in the region yet, nor have received reports of such impacts. Additionally, flow in many of our streams, including the Sangamon River, is much below normal,” said Dr. Ford.
Concerns about water resources may increase if the dry weather continues. “We have not heard of any impacts to water resources or ecology in our streams and wetlands, yet. If dry and warm weather continues another couple of weeks, we will likely see more signs of stress in our natural and agricultural lands, and continued hydrology issues,” said Dr. Ford.
Dr. Ford helps provide input to the Drought Monitor group. In recent weeks, he has asked for reports and continues to encourage residents in the area to provide routine updates on how conditions are in their area.
Source: wcia.com
Photo Credit: GettyImages-neenawat555
Categories: Illinois, Weather