Illinois and Iowa Record One of Their Driest Septembers Ever, Raising Drought Concerns
DAVENPORT, Iowa — Parts of Illinois, Iowa, and northeast Missouri just endured one of the driest Septembers on record, with several cities logging Top 10 driest totals ever, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Quad Cities office.
Rainfall Totals Well Below Normal
Most of the region saw less than one inch of rain all month, equal to less than 25% of normal September totals.
- Moline, Illinois: 0.71 inches (6th driest September)
- Dubuque, Iowa: 0.76 inches (10th driest September)
- Cedar Rapids, IA, and Burlington, IA: Also recorded Top 10 driest Septembers.
NWS officials noted rainfall was not only scarce but also sporadic, with only four or five days producing measurable amounts — and those generally under a quarter inch.
Drought Conditions Expected to Worsen
The prolonged dry spell has raised alarms for farmers, commuters, and residents across Illinois and Iowa.
Officials warn the lack of rain could:
- Stress crops already struggling in dry soil
- Elevate fire danger in rural areas
- Strain water resources if the trend continues into October
This is the second consecutive year that the region has faced an unusually dry September, raising longer-term concerns about soil health and water availability.
Illinois and Iowa residents are bracing for worsening drought conditions if the dry weather stretches deeper into fall. For more Midwest weather updates and climate reports, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.