For the purposes of effective moisture for vegetation, the northern Illinois growing season may be broadly defined as encompassing the period from early spring into mid autumn. By that definition, Chicago and northern Illinois have experienced the second-worst drought in 135 years of official precipitation records. Only in 1934, one of the infamous Dust Bowl years, did Chicago experience greater moisture deprivation than it has in 2005.
The outlook: Continued dry for northern Illinois
The news is not particularly good in the short run. Computer models indicate precipitation through the rest of October will remain below normal across northern Illinois. Fortunately for agricultural purposes, the negative impact of drought diminishes in the autumn because moisture required by vegetation drops practically to zero. The impact of cold-season drought, while still substantial, is limited to hydrological considerations (such as lake and stream levels).
Sources: Climate Prediction Center and National Weather Service archives
WGN-TV/Richard Koeneman
———-
Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist at WGN-TV. His forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN-TV News at noon and 9 p.m.
WGN-TV meteorologists Steve Kahn, Richard Koeneman and Paul Dailey plus weather producer Bill Snyder contribute to this page.
