Davenport, IA – Eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, and northeast Missouri just wrapped up one of the driest Septembers on record, according to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office. The agency said most areas received less than one inch of rainfall during the month—equal to less than 25% of normal totals.
According to the National Weather Service, several communities logged rainfall departures of more than two inches below average. Moline, Illinois, saw just 0.71 inches of rain, the 6th driest September on record. Dubuque, Iowa, measured only 0.76 inches, its 10th driest. Other locations, including Cedar Rapids and Burlington, also recorded Top 10 driest Septembers.
Rainfall was not only scarce but sporadic. NWS reported that only four or five days in September produced measurable rain, generally less than a quarter inch each time.
Officials warned that drought conditions are expected to worsen, particularly across Illinois, if dry weather continues into October. Farmers, commuters, and residents across the region may feel the impact, from stressed crops to increased fire danger.
This marks the second consecutive year of extremely dry Septembers in the region, raising longer-term concerns about water resources and soil health.
