Springfield, Ill. – Central Illinois is on track for one of its driest Augusts in history, with several cities recording barely measurable rainfall this month. By Sunday, Springfield had logged just 0.16 inches of rain, ranking it as the second-driest August on record with a full week still to go.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Beecher City, Charleston, Taylorville, Sullivan, and Windsor have all received less than a tenth of an inch of rainfall since August 1. Forecast models show little relief ahead, with dry conditions expected to continue into early next week.
The rain deficit has already stressed crops across Christian, Coles, and Macon counties, where farmers are reporting signs of drought stress in late-season corn and soybeans. Lawns are turning brown, and water conservation reminders have been issued in smaller towns such as Sullivan and Windsor.
Drivers should be cautious on rural roads where dry, dusty conditions may reduce visibility, especially during harvest preparations. Residents are urged to monitor local advisories and take steps to conserve water if conditions persist into September.
The driest August ever recorded in Springfield occurred in 1943, with only 0.10 inches. With another week of dry weather ahead, this year could rival that record.
