"Statewide July temperatures averaged 73.5°F, 2.3°F below normal, and the 20^th coolest July since 1895. While we had some hot days, Illinois generally managed to avoid the heat wave experienced out West during July," 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.

"In fact, most Illinois locations had many fewer 90-degree days than normal. Chicago hit the 90-degree mark 4 times (3 less than normal); Rockford, 4 times (2 less); Moline, 4 times (5 less); Peoria twice (7 less); Springfield once (10 less); Quincy 5 times (5 less); and Carbondale only 9 times (5 less)," says Angel.

"Summer rainfall amounts typically vary widely across the state, and July was no exception. Areas north of Interstate 80 received 5 inches or more, including 12.65 inches at Elburn (Kane County). While much of the rest of the state received 2–4 inches, some areas in west-central and southern Illinois received less than 2 inches all month. Statewide July totals averaged 3.67 inches (only 0.16 inches below normal)," says Angel.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for equal chances for August temperatures and precipitation above, below, or near normal. The August–October outlook calls for an increased chance for above normal temperatures but equal chances for precipitation above, below, or near normal.

"Right now, the U.S. Drought Monitor (http://drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html) classifies portions of western and southern Illinois as 'abnormally dry' so we will be monitoring those areas very closely," concludes Angel.

Disclaimer: Data used for all statistics provided herein are from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and are based on preliminary data.

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