DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - It's no secret that August was dry, but it turns out that it was the 4th driest since the turn of the century.
With only 1.71" of rainfall for the entire month, Central Illinois was over 1.5" below the average for precipitation.
The lack of rainfall along with the brutal heat that the month began with is not a combination that you like to see.
It causes stress on plants and crops alike.
Step outside and you can see just how dry the ground is, the impact it has on plants, and even some of the corn and soybean in the surrounding fields.
The one benefit this may have is when farmers start up their combines late this month and harvest season begins.
With drier conditions being a normal pattern this time of year, it can be beneficial to farmers because lower crop moisture can actually lead to higher yield and minimize losses.
