July in Illinois was cool and dry

[August 08, 2013]  CHAMPAIGN -- The statewide average temperature for July in Illinois was 73.3 degrees, 2 degrees below the 1981-2010 average. It currently ranks as the 19th-coolest July on record, dating back to 1895, according to Jim Angel, state climatologist at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

In comparison, last year's average temperature in July was 81.8 degrees. Illinois was experiencing a heat wave and drought then.

The statewide average precipitation for this July was 2.74 inches, 1.31 inches below the 1981-2010 average. It currently ranks as the 29th-driest July on record.

Despite the dry July, the statewide total precipitation for 2013 stands at 31.4 inches at the end of July and 7.61 inches above the 1981-2010 average. It is the second-wettest January-July. The wettest January-July was set just a few years ago: 2008 with 32.52 inches.

The rainfall in July was unevenly distributed across the state. Much of central and northern Illinois was 1 to 3 inches below average, while southern Illinois was several inches above average.

Mount Vernon reported the highest monthly total precipitation in the state with 9.42 inches, followed closely by Olney with 9.15 inches. On the dry side, Joliet reported one of the lowest monthly totals with 0.63 inches, along with 0.72 inches in Pontiac and 0.77 inches in Kankakee.

The wet spring and cool July have both helped to reduce the effects of the dry weather in July, but conditions will be watched closely in August.

[Text from file received from the Illinois State Water Survey]