Illinois’ state climatologist says it is a little early for

drought concerns even as above average heat covers the state.

Trent Ford tells Brownfield heavy spring rains have helped

maintain deep layer soil moisture so far this summer.

“And because it was somewhat dry during planting I think, this year especially compared to last year, crops have really established a good rooting depth and so we really haven’t seen the crop stress yet that would come along with many days in the 90’s.”

On Thursday, the US Drought Monitor placed a small area of central

Illinois in the moderate drought category.

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