Drought conditions are expanding across Illinois, and at a worrisome pace. The latest issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that an alarming 86.1% of the state are considered to be Abnormally Dry or worse... The Stateline fits into that category, not yet officially in drought, but not far away! 16.5% of the Land of Lincoln finds itself in a Moderate Drought or worse, while a shade over 6% of the state is in a state of Severe Drought!

Those looking for relief from these conditions will be discouraged to know that there's just one legitimate rain chance over the course of the next seven days... An average of three different computer models generate just 0.75" of rainfall over the coming week, which is nearly 0.40" below normal for the period ranging from June 8-14. With that logic in mind, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see things get worse before the get better with regards to the developing drought situation!