Warm, Wet April In Illinois

April showers arrived this year, along with the ups and downs of spring temperatures that averaged out to above normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

April is a transition month in Illinois, moving from winter to summer. As with most years, last month gave a taste of all seasons.

April average temperatures ranged from the high 40s in up north to the low 60s in southern Ill., between one and four degrees above normal. The prolonged period of warm weather in the middle of the month broke 14 daily high maximum temperature records and 22 daily high minimum temperature records in the state. Meanwhile, the brief shots of colder air in April broke nine daily low maximum temperature records and six daily low minimum temperature records.

Most places saw highs briefly reach into the mid-80s in the middle of the month, and a few stations around the St. Louis Metro East area flirted with 90 degrees. In contrast, most places in northern Illinois saw several nights with low temperatures dipping well into the 20s.

The preliminary statewide average April temperature was 54.1 degrees, 1.5 degrees above the 1991-2020 average and tied for twenty-eighth warmest on record going back to 1895.

Last year’s dry April set in motion an early growing season drought in parts of Illinois. This year, an active storm track brought multiple waves of storms and rain across the state and made for the wettest month we’ve seen so far in 2024.

April total precipitation ranged from around three inches in northeast Ill. to over ten inches in the southwest region of the state. Most of the state between Interstates 88 and 64 was one to five inches wetter than normal last month. In contrast, the far southern part of Illinois and the northern half of Chicagoland were within one inch of normal April rainfall. Highland in Madison County took the April precipitation crown with 9.58 inches total, the third wettest April on record there.

Abundant spring rain has also pushed several rivers over flood stage, including the Illinois River at Havana which spent all but a few days in April above minor to moderate flood stage.

The preliminary statewide average total April precipitation was 6.14 inches, 1.9 inches above the 1991-2020 average tied as the Tenth wettest on record statewide.

May is the first month where Illinois really experiences summer weather. Last year’s May was the driest statewide since 2012. However, May outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center show highest chances for near to above normal precipitation this year. There remain higher chances of above normal temperatures in May, as well.

Outlooks for the period from May through July look similar, with highest chances for above normal temperatures and precipitation to kick off the growing season.

For more information about monthly Illinois weather summaries, current conditions, and climate, visit the Illinois State Climatologist website.

Illinois State Water Survey Media Contact: Trent Ford, 217-333-0729, [email protected]. Illinois State Water Survey: https://www.isws.illinois.edu/