Madison County, IL, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Madison County, IL, experienced some rainfall recently, yet local experts caution that the area’s drought conditions persist. The rainfall has not been sufficient to significantly improve water resources, with parts of the region under severe drought as areas receive variable precipitation amounts. Forecasts predict a continuation of dry weather, raising concerns for the coming weeks regarding the county’s water supply.
Madison County Experiences Insufficient Rain to End Drought
Madison County, IL, received welcome rain from September 21 to 23, but local experts warn that this rainfall has not alleviated the area’s ongoing drought conditions. Despite variable amounts of rain reported across different regions, the county remains significantly below normal rainfall levels, indicating a precarious situation for local water resources.
Dr. Alan Black, a weather expert familiar with the region, pointed out that the 45-day period from August 1 to September 15 was the driest on record for southwest Illinois. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Madison County is experiencing at least a moderate drought, with portions of the eastern part of the county classified under severe drought conditions.
Rainfall amounts varied significantly throughout Madison County during the recent weather event. Alton and Bethalto recorded slightly over half an inch of rain; however, Granite City, Maryville, and Troy saw much higher totals, exceeding three inches. Edwardsville received between one and a half to two inches of precipitation, with similar amounts extending east towards Highland and St. Jacob.
Despite the recent rainfall, Madison County is currently almost three inches above normal for year-to-date precipitation, largely due to heavy rains in March and April. However, over the past 30 days—including the latest rainfall—the region remains nearly two inches below the usual precipitation levels. Additionally, precipitation has been roughly 2.5 inches below normal over the past 60 days.
The last 90 days show a slightly different picture, with total precipitation being slightly above normal due to significant rainfall in late June and early July. Yet, overall, local conditions remain concerning. The variability in rainfall means that while some areas benefitted from generous amounts, it has not been enough to alleviate the drought conditions that continue to affect the county.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest that Madison County may revert to a dry period resembling the previous months. With predictions of mostly sunny weather and highs in the low to mid-80s lasting until at least the beginning of October, the moisture from the recent rain is likely to evaporate quickly, leaving drought conditions intact. Consequently, it has been determined that Madison County still needs substantial rainfall to meet long-term drought requirements, a prospect that appears unlikely in the immediate future.
Key Precipitation Data
- Rainfall from September 21-23: Varying amounts across the county, with Alton and Bethalto receiving just over half an inch, and Granite City, Maryville, and Troy seeing more than three inches.
- Year-to-date precipitation: Almost three inches above normal primarily due to rain in March and April.
- Current drought classifications: Most of Madison County is under a moderate drought, with parts facing severe drought conditions.
- Precipitation over the past 30 days: Nearly two inches below normal, even with recent rainfall.
- Next steps: The county requires much more rain to address the ongoing drought conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, while the recent rains in Madison County provided temporary relief, the long-term outlook remains grim as the region grapples with ongoing drought conditions and insufficient rainfall forecasts.
FAQ
- What was the rainfall average during the recent event in Madison County? Residents received varying amounts of rain, with places like Alton and Bethalto getting just over half an inch, while Granite City, Maryville, and Troy saw three inches or more.
- What are the drought conditions currently in Madison County? The most current U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that most of Madison County is experiencing at least a moderate drought, with part of the eastern county under severe drought conditions.
- How much precipitation has Madison County received year-to-date? Despite recent rain, Madison County is almost three inches above normal for the year-to-date precipitation, primarily due to heavy rain in March and April.
- When is the dry period expected to continue in Madison County? The county is expected to return to a dry period similar to previous months, with forecasts predicting mostly sunny weather and highs in the low to mid-80s until at least the beginning of October.
- Is more rain expected soon in Madison County? The overall conclusion is that Madison County still requires more rain to address long-term drought needs, which seems unlikely in the immediate future.
Precipitation Overview Chart
| Time Frame | Precipitation Status |
|---|---|
| September 21-23 | Varied Rainfall: 0.5 – 3+ inches |
| Year-to-Date | Almost 3 inches above normal |
| 30 Days | Nearly 2 inches below normal |
| 60 Days | Roughly 2.5 inches below normal |
| 90 Days | Slightly above normal due to late June and early July rains |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Intelligencer: Drought Conditions Continue in Madison County
- Wikipedia: Drought
- Rome Sentinel: Drought Warning Issued
- Google Search: Drought Conditions Madison County
- Local Syracuse: No Rain Means Drought Expands
- Google Scholar: Drought Conditions Madison County
- The Intelligencer: Drought Conditions in Madison County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
- CNY Homepage: Drought Conditions Expand in CNY
- Google News: Drought Madison County
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
