February was one of the driest on record for much of Illinois, with most cities receiving less than an inch of total rainfall over the course of four weeks, according to the National Weather Service.
The month also included several days of elevated fire danger as a result of drought conditions. Here’s a look at where things stand as March kicks off.
Illinois sees one of driest Februarys in history
Last month was the driest February in Lincoln’s history since records began in 1906.
It was the second driest in Rockford, the third driest in Springfield and Chicago and the eight driest in Peoria.
How much rain did Illinois get in February?
Here’s how much precipitation the following Illinois cities received in February 2026:
Precipitation was generally one-to-two inches below normal in most Illinois cities in February.
Extreme drought conditions in parts of Illinois
Parts of east-central Illinois are currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This includes DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Douglas, Moultrie, Coles, Edgar, Champaign and Vermilion counties, and parts of McLean, Logan, Sangamon, Christian and Clark counties.
Meanwhile, most of the rest of central Illinois is experiencing severe drought.
Parts of Knox, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland and Lawrence counties are experiencing moderate drought.
The Drought Monitor estimates that more than 3.1 million Illinois residents are currently living in drought areas.
March 2026 rainfall forecast for Illinois
There’s about a 40-50% chance of above normal precipitation throughout eastern and southern Illinois in March, according to the NWS.
In northwest Illinois, there’s a roughly 33-40% chance.
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60-70% chance of above normal precipitation throughout Illinois in March.
Chicago weather radar
Central Illinois weather radar
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Extreme drought conditions in central Illinois. Will March bring rain?
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
