DANVILLE — October 2009 set a rainy, cool new record.
Based on preliminary data in Illinois, the statewide average rainfall was 8.9 inches, 6 inches above normal. This is the second wettest October on record for the state based on data going back to 1895. It almost beat the wettest October on record, 9.2 inches set in 1941, according to State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey.
Rainfall was heaviest in southern Illinois with many places reporting 8 to 12 inches for the month. A few standout reports included record-setting amounts of 13.98 inches at Jerseyville, 13.63 inches at Mt. Olive, and 13.31 inches at Riverton. Decatur and Bloomington/Normal set their all-time records with 10.09 and 10.18 inches, respectively.
While not record-setting, the following locations reported an exceptionally wet October. Rockford reported its fifth wettest October on record with 5.94 inches, while Chicago reported its ninth wettest with 6.04 inches. Champaign, Peoria, and Springfield reported their second wettest October on record with 8.79, 7.95, and 11.32 inches, respectively. Carbondale reported its third wettest with 10.01 inches.
Temperatures across Illinois averaged 49.8 degrees, 4.8 degrees below normal. Most locations reported a freezing temperature (32 degrees or less) for the month, signaling the end of the growing season. Elizabeth was the cold spot in the state with a low of 23 degrees on Oct. 11.
“October was a gloomy month, especially in northern Illinois. Chicago reported two sunny days, and Rockford only one. Downstate was a little better with eight sunny days reported in Peoria and Champaign, nine in Springfield, and 14 in Carbondale,” Angel said in a press release.
The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.
Local News
October one of wettest on record
- Local News
-
-
Community Briefs
The Danville Lions Club will meet at noon Tuesday at the Days Hotel, 77 N. Gilbert. The topic: “Know Your Lions.”
-
Community Calendar
Memorial Day ceremonies at area sites — 8:30 a.m., Curtis G. Redden gravesite in Spring Hill Cemetery; 9 a.m., World War I monument; 9:30 a.m., Korean War Memorial on Hazel; 9:30 a.m., Maj. Kenneth Bailey gravesite in Spring Hill Cemetery; 9:30 a.m., Jewell Whyte family site in Spring Hill Cemetery; 9:30 a.m., at the lagoon at the VA for all service people lost at sea; 9:45 a.m., Women’s Memorial behind the Vermilion County War Museum; 10:45 a.m., all veterans’ groups gather at the Danville National Cemetery.
-
Tropical Storm Beryl strengthens, nears U.S. coast
Tropical Storm Beryl was wrecking some Memorial Day weekend plans on Sunday, causing shoreline campers to pack up and head inland and leading to the cancellation of some events as the storm approached the southeastern U.S.
- CASA seeks volunteers
- Classes transition online
-
Dad welcomes baby — while a world away
Like most fathers, Brandun Schweizer wanted to witness his first child’s birth. There was just one problem, however — he was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.
-
Veterans ask people to pause
Although the Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and pool parties, veterans’ groups hope people pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as others who have died.
-
Martha Stewart learns family’s roots
Television viewers have been treated to two series lately dealing with genealogy.
-
Haiti touches her heart
Janis Ostiguy of Danville experiences many emotions each time she visits Haiti — sadness at the poverty, happiness with the children, warmth for the people and their spirit.
-
Turtles return to race
Collected turtles are being fed fruits, meat and vegetables and will be ready to go for the 48th Annual Turtle Races.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Community Briefs


