The drought which began in May worsened considerably across southern Illinois as summer progressed. By the end of July, all of southern Illinois was upgraded to extreme to exceptional drought. The exceptional drought conditions were south of a line from Mount Carmel to Murphysboro. The remainder of southern Illinois was upgraded to extreme drought conditions. Soil moisture deficits continued to increase. By the end of July, 90 to 100 percent of the region's topsoil and subsoil moisture was reported as short or very short. Many crops were showing stress, and the situation became dire for many farmers. A majority of the corn and soybeans were listed in poor to very poor condition. Increasing amounts of livestock and pasture were showing stress. The percentage of pastures rated as poor or very poor continued to grow. Ponds across the region were dry or drying quickly. Even with the isolated rainfall from thunderstorms, fire danger remained high. Bans on outdoor burning were in place for most of southern Illinois, including Alexander, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jackson, Pope, Saline, Union, and Williamson Counties. Additionally, numerous individual towns and villages issued burn bans. Fourth of July fireworks shows were cancelled or banned in many places. Streamflows were running below normal. Residents of the Village of Thebes in Alexander County were asked to voluntarily conserve water by refraining from washing cars and watering lawns. At the Carbondale co-operative observer site, only 1.64 inches of rain fell in July, which was slightly less than one-half of the normal amount. The drought began in May and continued into August.

Drought in POPE, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in PULASKI, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in SALINE, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in UNION, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in WABASH, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in WHITE, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in WAYNE, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in WILLIAMSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in ALEXANDER, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in EDWARDS, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in FRANKLIN, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in GALLATIN, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HAMILTON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HARDIN, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in JACKSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in JEFFERSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in JOHNSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MASSAC, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in PERRY, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-12 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency