Prairie Research Institute

blog posts

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  Water Survey researchers tracked weather changes during the eclipse

  Sep 14, 2017 3:00 pm

  An Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) team documented the eclipse at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Simpson, Illinois, to learn how the atmosphere responded to rapid changes in solar radiation as the moon blocked the sun. At the same time, another team recorded climate conditions every 10 seconds at 19 Illinois locations.

• Fall 2011 Precipitation in the Midwest: From Shortage in the West to Surplus in the East

  Nov 3, 2011 9:00 pm

  In the Midwest during the fall of 2011, precipitation was plentiful in the eastern Midwest but scarce in western parts of the region (meteorological fall is September through November), according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).

• MRCC Climatologist Appointed to World Meteorological Organization Expert Task Team

  Dec 20, 2011 8:00 pm

  Nancy Westcott, research climatologist at the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC), was recently appointed as the North American representative to the Task Team on Climate Data Rescue, initiated by the World Meteorological Organization's Commission for Climatology.

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  Microplastic contamination found in common source of groundwater

  Jan 25, 2019 7:45 am

  A new study by PRI scientists is the first to report microplastics in fractured limestone aquifers – a groundwater source that accounts for 25 percent of the global drinking water supply.

• When Will the First Fall Frost Arrive in Illinois?

  Oct 7, 2013 1:45 am

  While the actual date varies from year to year, Illinois farmers, landscapers, and gardeners anticipate the first fall frost in October, a sure sign that the growing season has ended.

• Gov. Rauner appoints ISWS scientist George Roadcap to Mahomet Aquifer Task Force

  Dec 22, 2017 2:45 pm

  Illinois State Water Survey hydrogeologist George Roadcap is among those appointed to the Mahomet Aquifer Task Force, which has been charged with protection of the Mahomet Aquifer, a primary source of drinking water for 500,000 Central Illinois residents.

• ISWS Provides Resources for Irrigation Reporting

  May 5, 2015 2:00 pm

  Starting this growing season, farm irrigators who use high capacity wells or intakes are required to report their water use.  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) has created a website to assist irrigators with this mandatory reporting process, according to Steve Wilson, ISWS groundwater hydrologist.

• Study Shows Increasing Contamination in Chicago Area Groundwater

  May 28, 2008 1:30 am

  Since the 1950s, chloride (salt) levels in shallow groundwater have increased significantly in Cook and surrounding counties, indicating that the quality of groundwater resources needed to meet future growing demand is deteriorating, according to Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) researchers.

• ISWS Engineer is Elected Chair of the ASFPM

  May 31, 2011 12:45 am

  Sally McConkey, Water Resources Engineer at the Illinois State Water Survey, has been elected Chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). She began her one-year term on May 19.

• El Niño Not Likely to Affect First Fall Freeze

  Aug 9, 2009 11:00 am

  A developing El Niño in the Pacific Ocean will likely not affect the first freeze this fall in the Midwest, according to Steve Hilberg, Director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), University of Illinois.

• Researchers track mercury in fish from Illinois streams

  Jul 29, 2013 2:15 am

  Mercury concentrations in small fish from Illinois streams have decreased since the turn of the 20th century, but mercury pollution persists in the environment, even in rural areas far from mercury sources, according to findings from a study conducted by scientists from the Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• September in Illinois: Cooler and Wetter than Normal

  Oct 3, 2012 7:30 pm

  September was the first cooler and wetter than normal month in 2012, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign

• Early Warmth in 2012 and the Climatology of the Last Spring Freeze in the Midwest

  Mar 26, 2012 8:15 pm

  With warm weather seemingly stationary across the Midwest, many people are wondering if we have seen the last of freezing temperatures.  Climatology tells us that there is still the possibility for a late freeze, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).

• Warmest March on Record for the Midwest

  Apr 3, 2012 8:15 pm

  March was the warmest on record for the nine-state Midwest region, based on preliminary temperature data.  The average temperature for the region was 50.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which breaks the previous record of 46.9 degrees set over 100 years ago in 1910, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu) at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).

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  July was slightly cooler and drier than normal in Illinois

  Aug 1, 2018 2:15 pm

  The statewide average temperature in July was 75.1 degrees, just 0.3 degrees below normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois. 

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  Warmer soils continue into July

  Jul 17, 2018 8:00 am

  Soils continue to be warmer than normal in mid-July, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• High Arsenic Levels in Well Water are Scattered Across Tolono Area

  Sep 6, 2011 9:15 pm

  Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) findings of a study on arsenic in drinking water from wells near Tolono, IL showed no discernable pattern of elevated arsenic levels except in the small subdivision south of Tolono where the safe drinking water issue was initiated, according to Walt Kelly, ISWS groundwater geochemist.

• February Tornadoes Are Rare But Violent

  Mar 1, 2012 8:15 pm

  Harrisburg, Illinois was struck by a deadly tornado on February 29, leading to six reported deaths and widespread damage. While more common during spring and summer in Illinois, tornadoes sometimes occur in February, said Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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  Illinois soils have cooled in mid-August

  Aug 17, 2023 9:15 am

  A change in weather has cooled soils across Illinois in mid-August, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey.

• Steve Wilson to serve on program advisory committee for National Environmental Health Association

  Nov 30, 2017 2:45 pm

  The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), a professional society for environmental health practitioners with thousands of members nationwide, has invited Illinois State Water Survey groundwater hydrologist Steve Wilson to participate in its Program Advisory Committee, which helps set policy and direction for NEHA programs.

• Wind Chill – Serious Science or Hype?

  Feb 3, 2014 4:15 pm

  When the temperature dips below zero and the wind picks up, the wind chill becomes a concern for anyone venturing outdoors.   There are important things to keep in mind about wind chill, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Lessons Learned from 1950s' Heat Wave Show Planning Needed for Future Severe Events

  May 18, 2011 12:45 am

  Studying the impacts of a widespread, long-lasting heat wave in 1954 foretells increased power and water shortages if a weather event of that magnitude were to happen today, according to Nancy Westcott, climatologist at the Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

• Study Shows NE Illinois Should Have Enough Water to 2050

  Jun 18, 2012 7:45 pm

  Water supplies in NE Illinois should be adequate for the next 40 years, yet communities should still analyze their own situations and work with neighboring communities to avoid conflicts in the years ahead, according to Scott Meyer, hydrologist with the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the University of Illinois.

• Soil Moisture Levels Increased in Southern Illinois with the Weekend Rains

  Aug 17, 2014 3:45 pm

  Soil moisture levels in southern Illinois increased over the weekend as the region saw more than 3 inches of rain at some locations, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Warm October across Illinois Ranks among Top Ten

  Nov 7, 2007 7:30 pm

  "With temperatures in Illinois averaging 59.5 degrees, 4.8 degrees above normal, October was the 9th warmest since 1895," says State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu), a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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  Corn fields add to muggy, humid Midwestern temps

  Jul 21, 2020 9:15 am

  It’s not just the heat; it’s the humidity and “corn sweat” making muggy Midwestern summers feel even hotter.

• Coldest July on Record for Illinois

  Aug 3, 2009 11:15 am

  Based on preliminary data for Illinois, the statewide average temperature for July was 70.4 degrees, 5.3 degrees below normal. This ranks as the coldest July in the statewide records and a degree colder than the previous record set in 1924 (71.5 degrees), according to State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu).

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  ISWS groundwater expert to participate in community forum on irrigation

  Aug 22, 2017 3:45 pm

  George Roadcap, a scientist at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and an expert on groundwater and the Mahomet Aquifer, will participate in a community conversation on irrigation sponsored by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Champaign Public Library.

• ISWS Study Findings Reflect Impairment of the Fox River in Northern Illinois

  Sep 28, 2009 11:00 am

  When the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) designated the entire Fox River in McHenry and Kane Counties as impaired, the Fox River Study Group (www.foxriverstudygroup.org) formed collaborations to preserve and enhance the river’s overall health.  The organization funded the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to conduct a multi-year, four-phase study that examines the Fox River watershed below Stratton Dam.

• Anniversary of First Hook Echo Tornado Captured on Radar

  Apr 9, 2015 3:00 pm

  Today is the 62nd anniversary of the first documented case of a tornado detected by radar. Illinois State Water Survey staff captured the historic event on film on April 9, 1953. This discovery helped lead to the first national weather radar network in the United States, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

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  Researchers study weather and climate conditions during solar eclipse in Illinois

  Aug 16, 2017 3:45 pm

  Watching the sun disappear at midday during a solar eclipse is not only fascinating for viewers across the U.S., but the rare event also presents a unique opportunity for scientists to investigate weather-related changes in Illinois.

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  Illinois soils are cooler and drier in mid-September

  Sep 14, 2023 2:15 pm

  Cooler weather in the past week has led to lower soil temperatures throughout the state in mid-September.

  
  

• November Snow Climatology for the Midwest

  Nov 4, 2010 12:45 am

  In the Midwest, November is typically the first month of the cold season when measureable snowfall occurs over a majority of the region, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).  However, it is not uncommon for northern portions of the Midwest to experience their first snowfall in October.

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  ISWS flood mapping program wins FEMA award for outstanding efforts

  May 8, 2017 4:00 pm

  PT stakeholders from across the country selected the ISWS Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) for the honorable mention award from the 1st Annual Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Cooperative Technical Partners Recognition Program.

• Model Stormwater Ordinance is Now Available for Communities

  Nov 23, 2015 2:15 pm

  Flooding in urban areas from stormwater runoff may be mitigated when state and local governments plan a coordinated effort to reduce their risk. The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offered their support to communities by developing a model ordinance that city and county officials can use when revising or drafting their own stormwater ordinances.

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  Central Illinois weather station is upgraded to track air pollution particles

  Jan 17, 2018 2:00 pm

  After 23 years of data collection on atmospheric conditions at the Bondville Environmental and Atmospheric Research Site, a team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration worked with scientists at the Prairie Research Institute to move the monitoring system to a new temperature-controlled building.

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  Soil temperatures across Illinois are rising

  May 18, 2018 8:15 am
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  Illinois soils are cooler in mid-August

  Aug 16, 2022 4:00 pm

  Cooler weather has led to lower soil temperatures in the first half of August in Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey.

• Illinois State Water Survey to Inventory Private Wells in McLean and Tazewell Counties – Well Owners Asked to Help

  May 1, 2010 1:15 am

  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is set to conduct an inventory of private wells in the rural areas surrounding Armington, Congerville, Danvers, Deer Creek, Goodfield, Hopedale, Mackinaw, McLean, Minier, Morton, and Stanford to determine water levels, pump settings, and well depths for all local wells.

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  Drying, warming soils across Illinois

  Sep 14, 2018 2:45 pm

  Soils are drying out after the early September rain, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

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  September in Illinois had above-normal temperatures and rainfall

  Oct 1, 2018 3:45 pm

  The Illinois statewide average temperature for September was 70.0 degrees, 3.8 degrees above normal and the 12th warmest September on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois. 

• Study Provides New Insight on Fog Formation in the Midwest

  Mar 16, 2010 1:45 am

  For decades researchers have postulated that fog typically forms in the early morning hours following a calm, clear night. But a new study shows that a higher percentage of fog incidences–at least in the Midwest–occur under overcast skies when rain has fallen overnight.

  Dense fog forming in conditions that are not well understood increases the difficulty of forecasting fog accurately, according to Nancy Westcott, climatologist at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Fog is a safety hazard for ground and air travelers and can be particularly costly when air traffic is delayed.

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  June soils are hot and dry across Illinois

  Jun 21, 2022 9:30 am

  Illinois’ soils are warm and dry in mid-June after record-breaking hot weather blanketed the state.

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  Illinois soils are cooling in the first half of October

  Oct 18, 2023 9:30 am

  Soil temperatures have fallen 10 to 20 degrees so far in October, which is normal for this time of year.

• October in Illinois: Cool and Wet

  Nov 1, 2012 7:30 pm

  October 2012 was cooler and wetter than normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

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  Precipitation Totals Set Records in the Midwest

  Jul 3, 2008 12:45 am

  Substantial recent flooding in the Midwest was caused by heavy precipitation that fell not only in June, but also throughout the first half of 2008. The NOAA Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) found that 286 National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Network stations reported precipitation totals for the first half of 2008 that ranked within their top five records of the January-June period since the late 1800s in some cases.

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  Illinois has warm, wet June

  Jul 2, 2018 2:00 pm
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  Soils were drying in mid-August

  Aug 20, 2018 9:00 am

  Drier weather this month has caused declining soil moisture, especially in central Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Warmest Year to Date for the Midwest, Near Normal August

  Sep 11, 2012 7:45 pm

  August 2012 brought relief to much of the Midwest region in the form of near-normal temperatures and much needed rainfall.  No state in the nine-state Midwest region ranked in the top 40 warmest Augusts on record, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu) at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).  Records date back to 1895.

• ISWS Scientists Contribute to Scientific Documents Noted in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

  Dec 11, 2007 7:30 pm

  The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on December 10 in Oslo, Norway. The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is proud to announce that two of its atmospheric research scientists, Kenneth Kunkel and Stanley Changnon, have participated in the activities of the IPCC.