The grass is not getting greener, it’s getting drier

PEORIA (25 News Now) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday is releasing its latest drought monitor on Thursday showing which areas are at risk for drought conditions.

Peoria is about three inches below average in rainfall within the last 45 days.

The combination of excessive heat and lack of rain is leading to the potential for flash drought conditions. A flash drought can develop quickly as high winds and more sun evaporate moisture from the soil.

“The plants are pumping two inches of moisture out of the ground, and it’s not being replenished with rainfall, said state climatologist Trent Ford.

That kind of combination leads to rapid intensification, rapid impacts for drought,” Ford said.

Rainfall outlooks are not too optimistic. They show most of Illinois will be drier than usual for the next eight to 14 days, and for the entire month of July