CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - August was cool across the state and dry in most places in Illinois, capping off a summer that was cool and wet, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

Accumulated Precipitation (in):
Departure from 1981-2010 Normals
Aug. 01, 2015 to Aug. 31, 2015

The statewide average precipitation for August in Illinois was 2.95 inches, 0.64 inches below average.  However, this was followed by a very wet June with 9.44 inches, and a wet July with 4.84 inches.

As a result, the summer precipitation total was 17.23 inches, or 5.36 inches above average and the 6th wettest summer on record. The wettest summer on record was in 1993 with 18.51 inches of rain.

The precipitation for August was unevenly distributed, which is typical in the summer months. Amounts of 3 to 5 inches were common in northern Illinois and points east of St. Louis.

The statewide average temperature for Illinois in August was 72.0 degrees, 1.6 degrees below average and the 32nd coolest August on record. The statewide average temperature for the summer (June, July, and August) was 72.6 degrees, 1.3 degrees below average and the 36th coolest on record.