Nov 18 | Weekly Climate Summary & Forecast
Illinois experienced a drastic change in weather this past week, from unseasonably warm to unseasonably cool as a low pressure system with a strong cold front swept across the state. Average temperatures were in the low 30s to low 40s, between 3 and 10 degrees colder than normal for mid November. The highest of temperatures since last Friday was a whopping 47 in Dixon Springs representing Southern Illinois and 41 in Big Bend for northern Illinois. Most notably, low temperatures crept down to the teens in many places, including 14 in the St. Louis Metro East area and 18 up in Ford County.
The cold front also brought snow along with it. The St. Louis Metro East area felt the most impact, accumulating (2.5) two and a half to (3.5) three and a half inches of snow. Southeast Illinois received about an (1.5) inch and a half. Central Illinois and Chicago-land accumulated a (0.5) half to (1.5) one and a half inches, and northwest Illinois with about (1.25) one and a quarter to (1.5) one and a half inches.
Unfortunately, this snow didn’t help with the ongoing drought. Abnormally dry conditions remain for much of the state, with northern and east-central Illinois worsening, and severe to extreme drought persisting in southern Illinois. This drought is taking another huge toll. Our farmers are having to find alternative, more expensive routes to export their grain and other goods as the Mississippi River is reaching record lows and forcing barges to halt, which will inevitably lead to global price increases.
Looking ahead, it seems this story will repeat as dry conditions persist. This weekend, a chance for flurries for northern Illinois with highs in the mid-to-upper 20s and possible overnight temps in the single-digits. Otherwise clear skies for central and southern Illinois with highs in the mid 30s and low 40s, respectively. Come Monday, northern and central Illinois will be back with temperatures in the 40s and southern Illinois possibly into the 50s, and all around clear skies until the potential for rain on Thanksgiving Day.