Much of Illinois facing drought conditions

Joe White eyes the corn at his Kaneville farm.

Keri Wiginton/Chicago Tribune photo

    The Chicago Tribune's Bridget Doyle reported June 22 about drought conditions that are affecting about 70 percent of Illinois. Northern Illinois is "extremely dry, according to officials at U.S. Drought Monitor, Doyle reported. A representative of the Chicago Botanic Garden told Doyle area gardeners frequently telephone seeking advice about plant care during this period of hot, dry weather.
    The Illinois Farm Bureau offers detailed information about current conditions throughout the state. On a related note, the farm bureau also reports that the peach and apple harvest in southern Illinois is setting an early pace. The crops benefited from warmer than average temperatures in the spring, the farm bureau reports.
    The Northwest Herald offered this report about drought conditions in McHenry County, and the U.S. Geological Survey office in DeKalb reported June 22 that Fox River water levels at two measuring stations (Algonquin and Montgomery) indicate the river is nearly three feet below flood stage.
    Gilbert Sebenste, staff meteorologist at NIU, posted a report June 21 that concluded drought conditions in northern Illinois are likely to worsen, and he expects little rainfall during the next 10 days.


—Share your news and photos here. Email information and pictures to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.