Illinois Climatologist Says Drought May Continue Through Next Year
(KLZA) Illinois' state climatologist says he believes the worst U.S. drought in decades likely will continue through next year.
The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey says "it's going to be a long, slow recovery from this particular drought." Angel spoke Thursday during a conference in St. Louis about the Mississippi River's future.
More than 60 percent of the continental U.S. has been gripped by some form of drought since last summer. More than 90 percent of Nebraska and Oklahoma were hit by extreme or exceptional drought. Those are the two worst classifications.
The drought has withered crops and lowered the Mississippi River's levels to a point that could force slowdowns, if not shutdowns, of barge traffic between St. Louis and Cairo (KEHR'-oh).
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Separate wrecks injure teens, dump truck driver
10-year-old St. Joseph child shot, hospitalized
Five injured, including two critically, in St. Joseph crash
Brown Co Commissioner plans to resign
Holton Community Hospital asking for community support
Troy man convicted of sexual battery
One injured, one arrested, after Atchison fight
Man arrested in Brown Co subject to deportation
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on meth charge
A Saturday of celebrations planned in Atchison
Richardson County Fair royalty crowned
Two local lakes added to public health advisory list
Flags fly in KS for political violence remembrance
Man arrested after armed carjacking in St. Joseph
Fatal Missouri crash claims Atchison man
Pentagon funds test drilling at NioCorp mine site
McLouth man injured in Leavenworth Co wreck
LATEST STORIES
Fatal Missouri crash claims Atchison man
Actress, filmmaker plans Benedictine College visit
Man arrested in Brown Co subject to deportation
Man arrested after armed carjacking in St. Joseph
USD 430 board adopts 2025-26 budget
CHCS announces new transportation initiative
Brown Co Commissioner plans to resign
McLouth man injured in Leavenworth Co wreck
RELATED STORIES
University of Nebraska Receives Grant for Drought Risk Research Center
Rain Lessens Drought Concerns in Parts of Nebraska, Iowa
Storm System Helps Ease Drought
Disaster Declaration for Nebraska Counties Due to Drought
Drought Concerns NE Gov. Heineman
Signs Drought may be Easing in Nebraska
Humboldt Farmer Testifies at U.S. Senate Ag Committee Hearing
Drought, Crop Insurance Among Concerns of Nebraska Farm Bureau