Illinois in First Drought of the Year

Illinois is in the midst of its first drought of the year, according to the Chicago Tribune.

At least two-thirds of the state is experiencing a severe drought, according to the Tribune, and 9 percent is experiencing a severe drought or worse. 

"Last month, Chicago got .89 inches of precipitation," the Tribune reported. "The average in June is 3.45 inches."

Statistics from the National Weather Service (via Chicago Weather Center) show O’Hare Airport has reported that with only 1.18 inches of rain falling from June 1 to July 7 this year, the Chicagoland area has received 28 percent less precipitation than normal.

Coupled with higher than normal temperatures, the lack of rainfall has caused the area to be rated as “abnormally dry” or in a “moderate drought” on an index created by the U.S. Drought Monitor. 

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