Hot Enough for You? We're Close to a Drought, Weather Service Says

When's the last time it rained? If you can't remember, it's probably because there's been just 1,200th of an inch of precipitation in June, National Weather Service meteorologist Gino Izzi says.

In fact, it's been so dry that the rainfall record for the first 15 days of June -- 100th of an inch, set in 1922 -- was toppled Friday, Izzi said.

And even with the slight chance of thunderstorms Saturday night and Sunday, it's possible the area could set the record for the dryest June in recorded history if conditions continue, he said. That record was set in 1988, when only one inch of rain fell, he said.

"That would be an extraordinary record to break," Izzi said.

Given that Will County's had just eight to nine inches of rain in the last 90 days -- compared to the 10 to 15 inches normal for that time period -- it's also extremely likely the U.S. Drought Monitor will declare the area in a D1-level moderate drought next week, he said.

Right now the area's classified as D0 -- abnormally dry, he said. There are parts of central Illinois that are already at the moderate level and the far tip of the state is at the severe drought level, according the drought monitor, stationed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"The dryness continues is going to continue for at least another week, and it's going to be hot -- in the mid- to upper-90s -- again next week," Izzi said.

The lack of rain is a huge problem for farmers, who count on June precipitation to bolster their crops through the typically hotter months of July and August.

Izzi said an equally big concern is the threat of wildfires, which can easily ignite and spread during extremely dry conditions, especially when it's windy.

Taking a Toll on the Landscaping

The other casualty in hot, dry weather are plants and flowers. Kevin Eberhard, chief horticulturalist for the Joliet Park District's Barber and Oberwortmann Horticultural Center, said the landscaping that will suffer the most are vegetable gardens, container plants and annuals.

That means, if you must choose what to water and water can go longer without, put grass and perennials on the back burner, Eberhard said. Both will go dormant and have the ability to withstand periods of drought.

Also, be aware that more than surface watering is required in hot and dry conditions because so much will be evaporated quickly before it has a chance to help the plant, Eberhard said.

If possible, use a soaker hose or simply set your hose at a trickle and place it amongst a group of flowers or vegetables, he said. Get the water as close to the soil as possible, he said.

Trees and shrubs ideally need an inch of rain a week and they won't start being stressed until after about five weeks without water, he said.

However, they also have the means to survive through drought periods by drawing down internal resources, he said. While most will rebound without problem, it does weaken them and it can take a toll on older landscaping.

As for new landscaping, it's going to take a lot of water during arid periods to ensure they survive, Eberhard said. You cannot skimp if you want to see new trees and shrubs take root in the first year, he said.

"It may take a lot more money than you'd like to be using," he said, but it's unavoidable unless you want to lose the money you've invested.