Drought in Illinois, September 1 to 30, 1999

The moderate to severe summer drought took a considerable toll on crops across southern Illinois. The worst drought conditions were along the Ohio River, where Paducah, KY, received only 1.5 inches of rain in the three-month period from July to September. Carbondale received much more generous rainfall, with a three-month total of 5.5 inches. The soybean crop suffered the greatest effects from the drought, with yields in most areas only near 20 percent of normal. Corn yields were much closer to normal due to plentiful rains in June and early July, when the corn crop matures most rapidly. Small ponds and reservoirs became very low. The city of Marion, which relies on a small lake for its drinking water supply, was forced to siphon water from its neighboring city of Herrin. Low water levels in Union and Jackson Counties forced some cattle farmers to haul water to their herds. The fire danger reached extreme levels at times. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources issued a wildfire alert for southern Illinois due to the combination of drying grasses, brisk winds, and low humidity. Outdoor burning was banned in seven counties, including Alexander, Pope, Johnson, Jackson, Union, Pulaski, and Hardin. Local burning bans were posted in other counties. Among the many wildland fires that occurred, one of the largest was near West Frankfort, where 80 acres were scorched. River levels on the Ohio River became unsafe for navigation in places. Fully loaded barges could not safely navigate the river, so tonnage was reduced by 10 to 20 percent.