Drought Information Statement for Central and Southeast Illinois
Valid March 12, 2026
Issued By: National Weather Service Lincoln, IL
Contact Information: nws.lincoln@noaa.gov 
This product will be updated around March 19, 2026 unless drought conditions improve significantly.  
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/ilx/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 
Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates.
Key Messages:
Recent Precipitation: Portions of central and southeastern IL saw heavy rain in the past week. This rainfall had beneficial impacts on drought this week week.
Improvement! Recent precipitation resulted in improving drought conditions.
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U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Central and Southeast Illinois

Drought intensity and Extent
D4 (Exceptional Drought): None

D3 (Extreme Drought): Southeastern McLean County, far northern Piatt, Champaign, and Vermilion Counties

D2 (Severe Drought): Most of central IL

D1 (Moderate Drought): Northwestern Knox County, Extending from Scott County to Clark County

D0: (Abnormally Dry): Most of the southeast 6 counties (Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland, and Lawrence Counties)

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 
Drought Worsened: none
 
No Change: Schuyler County to northwest McLean County northward, southeast McLean County and far northern Piatt and Champaign County

Drought Improved: Remainder of central and southeast IL

Precipitation
Over the past 30 days, precipitation has been above normal across the entire central and southeastern IL area. As much as 2-3 times normal (200-300%) was noted for much of the area from near I-72 southward. 

Summary of Impacts
Hydrologic Impacts 
Streamflow is above normal for many rivers from around I-72 southward where drought conditions have improved, however, below normal streamflows continue in areas to the north where D2 to D3 drought persists.
Lake Decatur is reported to be about 0.5 feet below normal. Lake Springfield is about 2 feet below normal (as of 3/6).

Agricultural Impacts
No recent impacts. 

Fire Hazard Impacts
No recent impacts.

Other Impacts
Ponds remain low in northern parts of central IL. 
Deep soil moisture remains below normal around D3 Drought areas, but has otherwise recovered at most observing sites. Water tables remain near record low levels in D2 and D3 Drought areas.
The town of Sullivan declared a water emergency on February 11th due to ongoing drought and a reduced water supply. Restrictions on non-essential water use are in effect until June 1st, and residents are urged to conserve water.

Mitigation Actions
Voluntary Stage 1 water rationing is in effect in Decatur.
Voluntary water conservation requested in Bloomington.

Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
Image Caption: USGS average streamflow 
valid March 12, 2026
Streamflows have increased to normal to well above normal for many streams from around I-72 southward where notable improvements in drought conditions have taken place.
Below normal to record low streamflows continue in areas to the north where D2 to D3 drought persists as rainfall has produced little runoff and has not dramatically increased water tables.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Another week of beneficial rainfall is expected during the week of March 12-19.

Long-Range Outlooks
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
Above normal precipitation is favored (60-70% chance) for all of central and southeast IL for March. 

Above normal temperatures are favored (60-70% chance) across central IL for March.

Drought Outlook
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
Drought is forecast to improve or end across the area through the end of May.

Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook 
Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook