Dry And Mild February Ends The Cold Winter

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February was an exceptionally dry month in Illinois, with many areas seeing record-low precipitation levels. The state experienced its fifth driest winter on record, with snowfall well below normal in northern Illinois. However, the outlook for spring is more optimistic, with predictions of wetter and milder weather ahead.

Why it matters

The extreme drought conditions in Illinois have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and the environment. The lack of precipitation over the winter months has exacerbated an ongoing drought, raising concerns about the availability of water for crops, livestock, and communities. The shift to a wetter and milder spring could provide some relief, but the long-term impacts of the dry winter will likely linger.

The details

February saw record-low precipitation levels across much of Illinois, with some areas receiving less than a quarter of an inch of rain. Moline had its driest February on record, with no measurable precipitation at all. Other cities like Rockford, Champaign-Urbana, and Mt. Vernon also saw their second or third driest Februaries on record. The lack of precipitation was not limited to just February, as the entire meteorological winter (December-February) was the fifth driest on record statewide.

• February 2026 was the driest month on record in Moline, with no measurable precipitation.
• The 2025-26 meteorological winter was the fifth driest on record in Illinois, and the driest since 1976-77.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The most recent Climate Prediction Center outlooks show good chances of wetter than normal weather in March, which could provide some relief to the drought conditions. Models also predict a milder start to spring with above-average temperatures.