Illinois State Climatologist
New USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Map
The USDA released their new Plant Hardiness Zone map, which shows significant changes in Illinois’ hardiness zones, reflecting the impact …
Mild October Had a Chilly End
The preliminary statewide average October temperature was 56.7 degrees, 1.9 degrees above the 1991–2020 average and tied for the 31st …
September Brought a Mix of Summer & Fall
The preliminary statewide average September temperature was 68.1 degrees, 1.3 degrees below the 1991–2020 average and tied for the 38th …
Drought Impacts Continue into Fall
Drought re-intensified in Illinois at the end of the growing season and has increased the fire and blowing dust risk …
August Wraps up a Mild and Drier Summer
The preliminary statewide average August temperature was 73.5 degrees, 0.1 degree above the 1991–2020 average and tied for the 63rd …
Drought Eases in Illinois
The 2023 drought has been the most extensive and intense in Illinois in the last 10 years. In mid-July, two-thirds …
July Brought Sweetcorn… and Floods, Drought, Heat, Smoke, and Tornadoes
The preliminary statewide average July temperature was 75.3 degrees, 0.1 degrees below the 1991–2020 average and tied for 64th warmest …
Illinois Falls into Drought
Following a fairly wet start to 2023, most of Illinois has experienced well below normal precipitation between April and June …
Drought Worsens in a Very Dry June
The statewide average June temperature was 71.6 degrees, 0.6 degrees below the 1991–2020 average and the 52nd warmest on record …
Drought Worsens in Illinois
Dry conditions have persisted through May and into the first two weeks of June. While some parts of Illinois have …