“Despite low precipitation, 16th driest March since 1895, soil moisture is near normal
thanks to a wet winter and cool March temperatures averaging 38.9 degrees, 2.2 degrees below
normal. March precipitation was only 1.58 inches, 49 percent of normal,” says State
Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu), a division
of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Research from the ISWS and elsewhere indicate that the most recent 10-year period is a
good indicator of upcoming weather conditions. Since 1995, those data show a pattern of April
becoming warmer and drier over time,” says Angel. Warm, dry April temperatures have allowed
earlier and faster planting by farmers and gardeners alike.
March temperatures ranged from 0°F at McHenry Lock and Dam (northeastern Illinois)
on March 13 to 80°F at Bloomington (central Illinois) on March 31. Grayville had the highest
one-day precipitation total (2.02 inches on March 28), while Grand Chain Dam had the highest
monthly total (3.96 inches).
“April is usually when the last freezing temperatures occur: northern Illinois (April 28),
central Illinois (April 14–21), and southern Illinois (April 7). If you’re planting tender annuals,
add about 2 weeks to those dates. See (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/atmos/statecli/Frost/frost.htm)
for more frost information,” concludes Angel.
