Aug 15 | Weather Update and Markets Review
It was back in the fire this week. Average temperatures ranged from the mid-70s to the low 80s, between 2 and 7 degrees above normal statewide. August to date has been around 1 degree above normal so far. The summer season so far has been the 5th warmest on record in Chicago, and the average nighttime low temperature in Peoria so far this summer is the highest since 1887. The extreme nighttime heat this summer is mostly thanks to persistently high humidity. In fact, Springfield has spent more than half of all hours so far this summer with what is considered very uncomfortable levels of humidity, which is about twice the average.
Some parts of the state saw significant rainfall this week. 7-day totals ranged from less than a tenth of an inch in parts of south-central and east-central Illinois to nearly 5 inches in far northwest Illinois. Rainfall has been a mixed bag across the state over the last 4 weeks or so. Parts of western and north-central Illinois have seen 200% of normal precipitation since mid-July, while areas in far southern Illinois and east-central Illinois have had less than 50% of normal rainfall over that time. The newest version of the US Drought Monitor is showing signs of recent dryness, with moderate drought in much of Piatt and Champaign Counties, and newly introduced abnormal dryness in Alexander County. The seemingly endless heat has not helped nascent dry conditions in these areas, stressing crops on lighter soils.
Looking ahead, the heat will intensify this weekend and into early next week with highs in the mid to upper 90s pretty much statewide. Parts of the Metro East and far southern Illinois could see triple digit temperatures on Sunday or Monday. The heat will subside a bit later next week, which will be very welcome. Meanwhile, the best chances of rain stays mostly to our north. 7-day forecasted totals range from less than a tenth of an inch in southern Illinois to maybe an inch or so in far northern Illinois. The intense heat and dryness forecasted this week are prime for flash drought in far southern Illinois, something we will be watching as we move into the latter half of August. Farther out, outlooks for the last full week of the month actually show best chances of below normal temperatures, which would be unusual, but pleasant, for Du Quoin State Fair time. The whole state looks to be in a drier than normal pattern to wrap up the month, though.
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WILLAg.org radio programming for the work week ending August 14, 2025
Commodity Week can be heard in the 2 o’clock hour central time on WILL AM580 or you may subscribe to it using the links in the player below. This week the panelists include Naomi Blohm from TotalFarmMarketing.com, Greg Johnson of TotalGrainMarketing.com, and Mike Zuzolo with GlobalCommResearch.com.
The Closing Market Report airs at 2:06 p.m. central daily on WILL AM580. It, too, is a podcast. Subscribe using the link in the player.