blog posts

• ISWS Scientists Contributed to Reports Associated with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

  Jun 28, 2017 8:00 pm0 views

  Two Illinois State Water Survey atmospheric scientists, Stanley Changnon and Kenneth Kunkel, contributed to reports issued to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.

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  Wet Soil Conditions in Illinois

  Jun 17, 2017 2:45 pm0 views

  Higher than normal rainfall across most of the state has led to wet soil conditions,  according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Warmer, Drier Soils in Illinois the First Half of June

  Jun 16, 2017 3:00 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures at depths of 4 inches under sod averaged 77.7 degrees in Illinois on June 14, 4.7 degrees above the long-term average.

• Surveyors Collect Data on Home Elevations in North-Central Illinois for Flood Risk Project

  Jun 8, 2017 3:00 pm1 views

  As part of an Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) project to determine the risk of flooding for individual homes and businesses in floodplains, licensed surveyors will visit properties to measure the height of structures from late June to July for two pilot areas in the City of Ottawa and the City of Moline.

• ISWS offers a flood assessment for critical facilities

  May 19, 2017 4:00 pm0 views

  When a flood inundates a community, critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations can lose electricity and equipment used to serve and protect citizens. A flood vulnerability assessment is now available for managers of critical facilities to identify their facility's susceptibility to flooding.

• Soil temperatures are rising across Illinois

  May 17, 2017 4:00 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures at depths of 4 inches under sod averaged 67.5 degrees in Illinois on May 15, 5 degrees higher than the long-term average. Daily highs were in the 60s and 70s for most of the state.

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  ISWS flood mapping program wins FEMA award for outstanding efforts

  May 8, 2017 4:00 pm0 views

  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.

• A Wet April and Record-Warm January-April in Illinois

  May 2, 2017 4:15 pm0 views

  The statewide average precipitation for April in Illinois was 7.01 inches, 3.23 inches above normal and the second wettest April on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

• Warm Soils Reported Throughout Illinois

  Apr 18, 2017 4:15 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures rose steadily over the first half of April, increasing 11.5 degrees during the first 15 days. At depths of 4 inches under sod, temperatures averaged 54.9 degrees for the period, 4.4 degrees higher than the long-term average.

• Report for the Urban Flooding Awareness Act

  Apr 6, 2017 12:45 pm7 views

  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has released a new report examining the prevalence and costs associated with urban flooding in Illinois, along with strategies and recommendations for minimizing damage to property from this flooding. The Illinois General Assembly called upon IDNR to prepare the report in collaboration with several state agencies.

• A Snowy, Rainy March in Illinois

  Apr 3, 2017 4:15 pm0 views

  Statewide precipitation averaged 3.62 inches, 0.66 inches above normal. The highest monthly total precipitation was in Lockport with 7.22 inches, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

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  Sediment causes economic and environmental concerns in the Illinois River valley

  Mar 27, 2017 4:15 pm3 views

  Researchers at the Prairie Research Institute's Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) have computed a sediment budget over 35 years to determine the amount of sediment coming into the river valley and the amount going out to the Mississippi River

• February breaks record for warm temperatures in Illinois

  Mar 3, 2017 4:30 pm0 views

  February was the warmest February on record for Illinois, according to State Climatologist Jim Angel at University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

• Soils were warm throughout the state this winter

  Feb 24, 2017 4:30 pm0 views

  Warmer winter soils may have an impact on agriculture and crop pest control this spring, according to researchers at the University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute.

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  Well assessment tool now available for well inspectors

  Feb 15, 2017 4:30 pm0 views

  Sanitarians, drillers, and other professionals who evaluate private well safety can use a new, thorough well assessment tool from the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute (PRI) to better learn how to assist homeowners and identify potential problems with family wells.

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  Changing methods for road salt application may ease environmental effects

  Feb 8, 2017 4:30 pm1 views

  Salt crystals on roads and parking lots shimmer in the muted sunlight of an Illinois winter day. Once washed away into rivers and streams, salt contaminates the local environment, according to groundwater geochemist Walt Kelly with the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute (PRI).

• A mild January in Illinois

  Feb 1, 2017 4:30 pm0 views

  The statewide average temperature in January was 31.4 degrees, 5.0 degrees above normal, and the 14th warmest January on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Cold, dry December ends a warm year in Illinois

  Jan 4, 2017 4:30 pm0 views

  The statewide average temperature for December was 28.6 degrees, 1.3 degrees below normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Fifth Warmest November and Second Warmest Fall in Illinois

  Dec 2, 2016 4:30 pm0 views

  November 2016 was the 5th warmest November on record for Illinois, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

  This year also had the 2nd warmest fall (September, October, and November) on record for Illinois. 

• Widespread Shallow Groundwater Contamination Found in Southwestern Illinois Cave Streams and Springs

  Nov 17, 2016 4:45 pm0 views

  Researchers have detected prescription and over-the-counter medications and personal care products in Illinois groundwater, an indication that humans are contaminating water that is vital to aquatic life.

• Soil Temperatures Still Warmer than Normal

  Nov 17, 2016 4:45 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures declined through the first half of November, but still remain higher than normal, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

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  Warm October for Illinois

  Nov 2, 2016 4:45 pm0 views

  The statewide average temperature for October was 59.8 degrees, 5.4 degrees above normal, and the on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Soil Temperatures Warmer than Normal in Mid-October

  Oct 17, 2016 4:45 pm0 views

  CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Soil temperatures in Illinois were 1 to 2 degrees above normal in mid-October, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Sixth Warmest September in Illinois

  Oct 3, 2016 4:00 pm0 views

  September was the sixth warmest on record with statewide records going back to 1895. The statewide average temperature was 70.7 degrees, 4.5 degrees above normal, according to State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Soil Temperatures Higher than Normal in Mid-September

  Sep 16, 2016 4:00 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures in Illinois are averaging 3 to 5 degrees above the long-term averages, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Record-Wettest August in Illinois

  Sep 1, 2016 5:00 pm0 views

  The statewide average rainfall for August was 6.89 inches, 3.30 inches above normal and the wettest August on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• ISWS Partners on Project to Help Communities Prepare for Climate Extremes

  Sep 1, 2016 5:00 pm0 views

  Climatologists from the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are partnering with the American Planning Association in a two-year project to assist five Illinois pilot communities in preparing for more frequent climate extremes using current weather and climate data.

• Farmers Must Adapt to Climate Changes in Illinois

  Aug 17, 2016 7:00 pm0 views

  Farmers who keep an eye on the sky and an ear tuned to the local weather report will also want to pay attention to long-term climate change trends which may sway production decisions down the road.

• Soil Moisture Increased throughout Illinois Due to Recent Rains

  Aug 16, 2016 7:15 pm0 views

  Recent rains increased soil moisture throughout the state, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

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  Scientific Models Use Weather Data to Predict State's West Nile Virus Infection Rates

  Aug 4, 2016 7:15 pm0 views

  As this year's West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season begins, researchers from the University of Illinois have made available forecasting models they created for each of the nine climate areas of Illinois to predict mosquito infection rates on a weekly basis. Mosquitoes transmit WNV to humans.

• Soil Moisture Increases in Southern and Western Illinois

  Jul 18, 2016 7:30 pm0 views

  Increased rainfall led to rises in soil moisture levels during the first half of July, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Illinois Groundwater Resources Interactive Map

  Jul 18, 2016 11:30 am0 views

  Illinois has an abundance of groundwater resources that supply millions of gallons of water per day to public, irrigation, and commercial/industrial systems. Groundwater resources are unevenly distributed throughout Illinois due to the state’s complex bedrock and glacial geology. This interactive map depicts the three major aquifer systems in Illinois and the public water supply (PWS) wells that extract groundwater from them. Users can select or query wells based on spatial location or attribute, and then can view reported withdrawals in an attribute table or in graph view. Users can also export data found in the attribute tables as a CSV file and can output maps in various formats for printing.

• June Was Warm and Dry in Illinois

  Jul 5, 2016 7:30 pm0 views

  The statewide average temperature for June in Illinois was 74.8 degrees, which was 2.9 degrees above normal and the 14th warmest June on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Soils Warmer and Drier across Illinois in Mid-June

  Jun 17, 2016 7:45 pm0 views

  Warmer weather has led to warmer and drier soils in Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Heavy Rains Strike Parts of Illinois in May

  Jun 2, 2016 7:45 pm0 views

  The statewide average precipitation for May was 4.52 inches, just 0.08 inches below normal. However, heavy rains struck parts of Illinois, causing flooding. Some areas received up to 10 inches of precipitation by the end of the month, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

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  Thunderstorms Produce Tsunami-like Waves in the Great Lakes

  May 31, 2016 7:00 pm2 views

  Spring and summer storms that create thunder and lightning on land also cause tsunami-like waves on the Great Lakes, bringing water surges onshore and jeopardizing docked boats and beach lovers, according to David Kristovich, head of the Climate and Atmospheric Science section with the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.

• Cooler, Wetter Soils in Mid-May

  May 16, 2016 7:00 pm0 views

  Soils were wetter and cooler than average over most of Illinois in mid-May, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Weather was Average for April in Illinois

  May 2, 2016 8:00 pm0 views

  Colder temperatures in the first half of April in Illinois were nearly canceled out by warmer temperatures in the second half of the month, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• New Homeowners' To-Do List Should Include Well Water Testing

  Apr 26, 2016 8:00 pm1 views

  Looking for that special house in the country?  Don't forget to have the well tested to ensure safe drinking water, advises Steve Wilson, groundwater hydrologist at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Illinois has Warmer, Drier Soils in Mid-April

  Apr 18, 2016 8:15 pm0 views

  Warmer weather in the second week of April brought warmer and drier soils, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Tenth Warmest March on Record in Illinois

  Apr 6, 2016 10:15 pm0 views

  March 2016 was the 10th warmest March on record with an average temperature of 46.5 degrees, 5.2 degrees above normal. Illinois was not alone; essentially the entire US was warmer than normal in March, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

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  Illinois State Water Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey drill new deep sandstone monitoring well in Kendall County

  Mar 22, 2016 10:15 pm1 views

  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed drilling of a new deep sandstone monitoring well in December 2015. The monitoring well is located in Kendall County, southeast of the town of Newark, IL. The 1,180 feet deep borehole has two nested wells, one which is open to the St. Peter Sandstone and one that is open to the deeper Ironton-Galesville Sandstone. The wells will monitor changing groundwater levels in these aquifers, which are an important source of groundwater for municipal and industrial needs.

• Illinois Soils Warm Over the First Half of March

  Mar 18, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures increased through the first half of March, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• Illinois State Water Survey to Study Nippersink Creek

  Mar 15, 2016 10:30 pm1 views

  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) announced today that new hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of Nippersink Creek will be performed in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The study will help local communities to identify areas of high flood risk along Nippersink Creek for flood mitigation planning.

• February in Illinois was Slightly Warmer than Normal

  Mar 1, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  The Illinois temperature for February was 33.2 degrees, 2.3 degrees above average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Soils Warmer than Average across Illinois this Winter

  Feb 22, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  Soil temperatures in Illinois have been above normal for most of the winter, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

• January in Illinois Presented Wild Temperature Swings

  Feb 2, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  Illinois temperatures in January showed some very large swings in which the highs and lows tended to cancel each other out, with a monthly temperature of 26.7 degrees, or just 0.3 degrees above average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Midwest Experiences Warmest and Wettest December on Record

  Jan 6, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  In a year when many state records were broken, 2015 ended with historically warm temperatures and well above-normal precipitation, leading to the warmest and wettest December on record for the Midwest, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).

• Record-Setting December Occurred in Illinois

  Jan 4, 2016 10:30 pm0 views

  December was the warmest and second wettest for that month on record in Illinois, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

• Fall Brings Near-Record Warmth to the Midwest

  Dec 8, 2015 2:15 pm0 views

  Warm conditions blanketed the Midwest during the 2015 fall season (September-October-November), bringing near-record seasonal and monthly temperatures, according the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/), Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).