An extended period of dry weather continued to worsen across central and southeast Illinois during the month of August. Despite near normal monthly rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches in many locations...yearly deficits since January 1st remained in the 8 to 13 inch range. The prolonged period of dry weather caused nearly all of central and southeast Illinois to be upgraded to the Extreme Drought Category (D3)...while Lawrence and Crawford counties in southeast Illinois persisted in an Exceptional Drought (D4).

Drought in MASON, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Mason County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 1 to 3 inches, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Piatt County.  The flow along the Sangamon River at Monticello dropped to the lowest on record, reaching zero on 15 days.  The river had never reached zero flow during the month of August in 105 years.  Due to the drought conditions, a ban on open burning was put into place across the county.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in RICHLAND, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Richland County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Sangamon County.  Despite 2.94 of rainfall at the Springfield Airport, deficits since January 1st were still over 9 inches.  Due to the drought conditions, a ban on open burning was put into place across the county, while mandatory water restrictions continued for Springfield, Sherman, and Williamsville.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in SCHUYLER, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Schuyler County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in SCOTT, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Scott County.  Only 1.53 of rain fell in Winchester, making it the 7th driest August on record.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Logan County.  The flow along the Lake Fork near Cornland dropped to the 5th lowest on record.  Only 1.47 of rain fell in Lincoln, making it the 13th driest August on record.  The ban on open burning remained in place across the county, while mandatory water restrictions continued in Latham.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MACON, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Macon County.  The flow along the Sangamon River at Route 48 at Decatur tied for the 8th lowest on record.   The ban on open burning remained in place across the county, while mandatory water restrictions continued for Decatur and Mt. Zion.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MARSHALL, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions developed across Marshall County on August 7th, but rainfall of 3 to 4 inches caused an improvement back to Severe Drought by the end of the month.  The flow along the Illinois River at Henry dropped to the 10th lowest on record.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MCLEAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in McLean County.  The flow along Kickapoo Creek near Bloomington dropped to the lowest on record, reaching zero on 4 days. Despite monthly rainfall of 4 to 6 inches, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Menard County.  The flow along the Sangamon River at Petersburg dropped to the 3rd lowest on record.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CASS, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Cass County.  Only 1.04 of rain was recorded at Virginia, making it the 4th driest August on record.  Due to the drought, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MORGAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Morgan County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, a ban on open burning remined in place across the county and mandatory water restrictions continued for Jacksonville.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in MOULTRIE, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Moultrie County.  The flow along the West Okaw River near Lovington tied for the lowest on record.   Due to the drought conditions, a ban on open burning was put into place across the county.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CLAY, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Clay County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CHRISTIAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Christian County.  Despite monthly rainfall totals of 5 to 6 inches in a few spots, voluntary water restrictions remained in place in Taylorville.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions improved to Severe Drought during the month of August in Champaign County.  The flow along the Salt Fork near St. Joseph dropped to the lowest on record.  Despite recent rainfall that helped ease the drought conditions somewhat, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CLARK, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Clark County.  Despite monthly rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in COLES, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Coles County.  The flow along the Kaskaskia River at Cooks Mills dropped to the 4th lowest on record.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place across the county and voluntary water restrictions continued in Mattoon.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CRAWFORD, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Exceptional Drought conditions continued through August in Crawford County.  The flow along the North Fork of the Embarras River near Oblong dropped to the 7th lowest on record.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in CUMBERLAND, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Cumberland County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Effingham County.  Monthly rainfall of 4 to 6 inches allowed officials to lift the ban on open burning: however, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in DE WITT, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in DeWitt County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in DOUGLAS, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Douglas County.  The flow along the Embarras River near Camargo tied for the lowest on record, reaching zero on 15 days during the month.  Monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches allowed officials to lift the ban on open burning: however, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in EDGAR, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Edgar County.  Monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches allowed officials to lift the ban on open burning: however, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Fulton County.  Despite monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, a ban on open burning remained in place.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in JASPER, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Jasper County.  Monthly rainfall of 2 to 3 inches allowed officials to lift the ban on open burning: however, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions developed across Knox County on August 7th, but rainfall of 3 to 4 inches caused an improvement back to Severe Drought by the end of the month.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in PEORIA, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions developed across Peoria County on August 7th.  Despite monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in LAWRENCE, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Exceptional Drought conditions continued through August in Lawrence County.  The flow along the Embarras River at Lawrenceville dropped to the 2nd lowest on record.  Monthly rainfall of 4 to 5 inches allowed officials to lift the ban on open burning: however, crop stress remained extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in SHELBY, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Shelby County.  The flow along the Kaskaskia River at Cowden dropped into the 16th percentile.  Due to the drought conditions, a ban on open burning remained in place across the county, while voluntary water restrictions were instituted in Shelbyville.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in STARK, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions developed across Stark County on August 7th, but rainfall of 3 to 4 inches caused an improvement back to Severe Drought by the end of the month.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in TAZEWELL, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions continued through August in Tazewell County.  The flow along Fondulac Creek near East Peoria tied for the lowest on record.  Due to monthly rainfall of 4 to 5 inches, officials lifted the ban on open burning: however, voluntary water restrictions remained in place for Groveland.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions improved to Severe Drought during the month of August in Vermilion County.  The flow along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River above Oakwood dropped to the lowest on record.  Despite recent rainfall that helped ease drought conditions somewhat, a mandatory water restriction was instituted in Sidell.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.

Drought in WOODFORD, ILLINOIS
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Extreme Drought conditions improved to Severe Drought during the month of August in Woodford County.  The flow along the Mackinaw River near Congerville dropped to the 9th lowest on record.  Despite recent rainfall that helped ease drought conditions somewhat, a volunatry water restriction remained in place for El Paso.  Crop stress was extreme for both corn and soybeans.