CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois experienced temperatures close to normal for September. The statewide average temperature was 66.8 degrees, just 0.6 degrees above normal, according to State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey (http://www.isws.illinois.edu).

During the month, many stations in southern Illinois had reported high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Fairfield and Grayville both reported the highest temperatures in the state with 99 degrees on September 21 and 22, respectively.

The statewide average precipitation was 4.0 inches, 0.8 inches above normal. However, the distribution was uneven throughout the state. The largest rainfall totals for the month occurred across west-central Illinois. Quincy Lock and Dam 21 reported 8.10 inches, the most rainfall in the state. This was followed closely by Springfield with 7.94 inches.

Meanwhile, far southern Illinois continued to struggle with drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor lists several counties in southeast Illinois in the category of moderate drought.

The National Weather Service outlook for October includes increased odds of warmer and drier than normal conditions across Illinois. The outlook for October-December includes increased odds of warmer than normal conditions in Illinois. The same outlook is neutral on precipitation.

The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a division of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.