Illinois weather was warmer and wetter in 2021

Posted on January 13, 2022
Precipitation was a little bit above normal last year, although totals varied widely across the state, especially in northern Illinois where it was very dry much of the time. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – Last year was warmer and wetter than normal in Illinois.

2021 ended up as the 10th warmest year on record in the state, with an average temperature of 53.7 degrees. State Climatologist Trent Ford says that’s remarkable since last February was so cold.

“So despite the fact that February average temperatures were more than 10 degrees below normal, we still had a year average out. Which is a testament to how warm October, December and March were,” said Ford.

Precipitation was a little bit above normal last year, although totals varied widely across the state, especially in northern Illinois where it was very dry much of the time.

Ford says the warmer temperatures spurred more severe weather, including about 80 tornadoes. That compares to around 60 tornadoes a year on average.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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