Wettest six-month period recorded
PRINCETON — So far, it’s been a record-breaking year for precipitation in Illinois.
On Wednesday, state climatologist Jim Angel released information showing the monthly statewide precipitation has remained above average every month during the first half of 2008, making the first six months of 2008 the wettest January to June in Illinois since record-keeping began in 1895.
The January to June precipitation totaled 27.7 inches for the state, which is 8.3 inches above average. In recent times, only 1998 started out the year with comparable precipitation, with 27.2 inches.
Even though Illinois just set a new six month precipitation record, meteorologist Andy Ervin, with the National Weather Service of the Quad Cities, said the high statewide precipitation totals do not necessarily reflect what’s going on in all areas of Illinois. Local areas have not seen large increases in precipitation, he said.
As far as the next six months, Ervin said there is no strong signal either way whether precipitation will continue to be above average or not in the coming months.
Even though local residents have not experienced as many 90-degree days in June as typical, Bureau County residents can still expect warmer weather to arrive.
“We usually would have experienced several bouts of 90-degree weather already,” Ervin said. “But if you just wait a couple days, we’ll probably see it.”
Weather forecasts for the Fourth of July weekend predict highs between 80 and 85 degrees today, Saturday, with highs in the mid-80s on Sunday. There is the possibility for a thunderstorm Sunday evening, Ervin said.
Florian Bangert of Prince-ton, a master gardener with the University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County, gave some advice for gardeners to care for their plants in wetter weather.
“Make sure the plants don’t have ‘wet feet,’” Bangert said. “Potted plants need drainage, because if there’s too much water accumulating, oxygen will be depleted. The roots need oxygen, as well as the leaves.”
Both indoor and outdoor plants need regular watering, because sunlight can dehydrate plants quickly, Bangert said. He also recommends using grass clippings or commercial compost as mulch to ensure the plants maintain sufficient moisture while still allowing drainage.
“The wet weather is, no doubt, going to increase the number of mosquitoes,” Bangert said. “They do have a way of taking advantage of any water that accumulates. But as for gardens - mosquitoes don’t have much of an effect there. Also, we’re really fortunate in this part of Illinois to not have the flooding problems that other areas are having.”
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