Springfield, IL – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday morning shows continued severe dryness across central Illinois, with extreme drought expanding slightly in east-central counties. The National Weather Service Central Illinois office reported that while most classifications held steady this week, the D3 extreme drought area centered around Champaign has increased in size.
The updated map indicates widespread D1 (Moderate Drought) and D2 (Severe Drought) from Peoria to Springfield, with the most significant impacts stretching from Decatur through Champaign and into surrounding communities. The deep red shading on the eastern side of the map highlights the area now under D3 classification, which signifies extreme dryness and ongoing water and soil stress.
Meteorologists note that long-running precipitation deficits have built over several months, and recent light rains have not been enough to meaningfully improve conditions. Crop and soil moisture remain below seasonal norms, and streamflows in some areas continue trending low for late November.
Areas just outside the extreme drought zone—including Bloomington, Lincoln, Macomb, and Galesburg—remain in D1–D2 drought categories. Abnormally dry conditions persist near the Illinois–Indiana border and into parts of south-central Illinois.
A new Drought Statement from the National Weather Service is available for residents seeking more detail on local impacts and expectations heading into winter.
