DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - How does one remain in a moderate drought or, at the very least, abnormally dry when nearly a month's worth of rain falls in one day!?
The answer: runoff
Water runoff refers to the movement of excess surface water that flows over land when the soil is saturated or when precipitation exceeds the land's absorption capacity.
In this past weekend's event, about three inches of rain fell in a very short time near Homer, IL. That is in eastern Champaign County. The average monthly rainfall is closer to three and a half inches. Unfortunately, that rain was too much, too fast.
Significant runoff reduces the amount of water that infiltrates into the ground. The overall benefit of recent drought conditions is likely to be minimal. Plus, sudden heavy rain can cause flooding and erosion, which may harm ecosystems and infrastructure.
Limited precipitation is in the near-term forecast, allowing the moderate drought to increase in size over the coming weeks.
Drought is often ranked as the number one weather-related killer globally due to its widespread and long-lasting effects on human health, agriculture and economies. Here in the USA, economic loss, such as crop failures, water shortages and wildfires, is more the concern, rather than immediate mortality.
Stay safe and weather aware.
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