Dry conditions plague southeastern Illinois

Monday, September 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM

By Steve Anderson

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor figures released late last week, dry condition across southeastern Illinois have gotten worse.

Conditions for the region have gone from 1% Abnormally Dry to 100%. According to the Climate Prediction Center's September drought outlook, drought conditions are anticipated to develop later this month with no substantial rainfall in the forecast. The drought monitors shows that 50% of the entire state of Illinois is abnormally dry, 12% in moderate drought and 1% in severe drought. The lower two thirds of Illinois is listed as Abnormally Dry. With these dry conditions continuing, people who burn outdoors are urged to use caution and be vigilant by local and area fire officials.