Drought Information Statement for Central and Southeast Illinois Valid March 26, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Lincoln, IL Contact Information: nws.lincoln@noaa.gov This product will be updated around April 2, 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 on Sunday. This rainfall had beneficial impacts on the ongoing drought. Water table levels continue to be low due to long term precipitation deficits. U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): Southeastern McLean County, far northern Piatt, Champaign, and far northwestern Vermilion Counties D2 (Severe Drought): Parts of west central and central IL, as well as areas surrounding the Extreme Drought D1 (Moderate Drought): Remainder of central IL north of a Cass County to Edgar County line. D0: (Abnormally Dry): South of a Cass County to Edgar County line. Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: none No Change: Most of central and southeast IL Drought Improved: Areas along and northwest of the Illinois River, and narrow areas in central and east central IL Precipitation Over the past 30 days, precipitation has been above normal across all of central and southeastern IL. As much as 2-3+ times normal (200-300+%) was noted for much of the area near the I-72 corridor. However, the D3 area was notably closer to normal precipitation for the past 30 days (100-150% of normal). Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows remain below normal in much of the D1-D3 areas, especially on the Sangamon River north of Champaign which remains at an all-time low flow for the date. Agricultural Impacts No recent impacts. Fire Hazard Impacts No recent impacts. Other Impacts Deep soil moisture remains below normal around D3 Drought areas, but has otherwise recovered at most observing sites. Water table levels remain low due to long term drought and recent rainfall has not been enough to recharge groundwater. Mitigation Actions Voluntary Stage 1 water rationing is ongoing in Decatur. A water emergency continues in Sullivan, with water conservation measures requested. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Image Caption: USGS average streamflow valid March 27, 2026 Streamflows remain below normal in much of the D1-D3 areas, especially on the Sangamon River north of Champaign which remains at an all-time low flow for the date. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Rainfall of around 1/2 to 1 inch occurred Thursday night over portions of the area. This will be added to the additional rainfall that is expected early next week, resulting in total amounts of 2.5 to 4 inches over the next 7 days. This should lead to a continued lessening of the drought. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Heavy precipitation is forecasted across the area for early April. This will help to lessen the drought conditions. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Probabilities are leaning in the direction of above normal precipitation (40-50% chance) in the month of April. The month of April is also leaning slightly towards above normal temperatures (33-50% chance). Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought is projected to improve or end across much of the area through the end of June. Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook