No change in drought conditions for Chicago - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Drought conditions continue across much of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana due to large rainfall deficits for the calendar year and for the water year dating back to October 2011.

This was coupled with multiple bouts of extreme heat from late May through early August. However, more regular rainfall dating back to mid July and much cooler temperatures in August have led to some improvement in conditions, in northwest Indiana and portions of northeastern Illinois.

According to the August 21st issuance of the US Drought Monitor, extreme drought conditions continue across portions of central and northern Illinois.

Elsewhere, moderate to severe drought conditions continue across the remainder of northern Illinois. In northwest Indiana, all but a small portion of far northern Lake and northern Porter counties remain classified in moderate to severe drought.

There is some good news from the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center regarding the forecast on our drought.

Here's a look at the definition of each drought condition:

Abnormally Dry (D0) - Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk above average. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered.

Moderate Drought (D1) - Some damage to crops, pastures; fire risk high; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested.

Severe Drought (D2) - Crop or pasture losses likely; fire risk very high; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed.

Extreme Drought (D3) - Major crop/pasture losses; extreme fire danger; widespread water shortages or restrictions.

Exceptional Drought (D4) - Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; exceptional fire risk; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells, creating water emergencies.