Springfield, Ill. — Central Illinois closed out the winter of 2025-2026 with a widening precipitation deficit of 3 to 5 inches, pushing parts of the I-55 and I-72 corridors into severe drought and triggering water restrictions before spring even begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the December through February period ranked among the driest on record in several communities. Lincoln recorded just 0.08 inches of rain in February, tying its fourth-driest February since records began in 1906. Much of the region finished winter several inches below normal for total precipitation, with the driest conditions centered from Springfield to Bloomington and east toward Champaign and Decatur.
Temperatures fluctuated sharply throughout the season. December averaged below normal, while January and February leaned warmer overall despite two extended Arctic outbreaks. Between mid-January and early February, highs ran 15 to 25 degrees below average for more than a week, sending wind chills into the teens and single digits. Travel along I-55, I-72 and I-74 faced intermittent slick spots during light snow and freezing drizzle events, though snowfall totals generally ranged near 1 to 5 inches in most locations.
Despite several snow periods, moisture from melting snow proved limited. By late February, severe drought classifications expanded across central counties, and officials urged residents to limit outdoor water use.
Looking ahead, drought recovery will depend heavily on sustained spring rainfall, with additional advisories possible if dry conditions persist into early April.
