By Andi Anderson
Jim Angel, a climate scientist with the Illinois State Water Survey, has spent almost 40 years studying the climate extremes of Illinois and the Midwest. He focuses on extreme rainfall events and the effects of weather and climate on agriculture.
Angel’s research highlights how Illinois' location between the Gulf of Mexico and Canada makes it prone to significant temperature and precipitation fluctuations.
Angel will give a talk titled “Our Fascinating and Ever-Changing Climate of East-central Illinois” at the University of Illinois Extension Office, where he will provide a detailed overview of weather patterns and their implications for growers.
Unlike coastal regions of the United States, which are moderated by oceanic influences, Illinois experiences highly variable climate conditions due to its inland location. This variability has led to increasing precipitation levels by 10 to 15% over the past century across all seasons.
Angel notes that winters, along with spring, summer, and fall, are becoming wetter, posing challenges for agriculture. Heavy rainfall can hinder planting and cause nutrient loss in soil.
Another recent challenge for Illinois farmers is flash droughts—short periods of intense heat and dry weather that rapidly deplete soil moisture. Despite overall wet conditions, these droughts create difficulties for crops and vegetation.
Recent warmer-than-average temperatures have also affected plant life, leading to earlier leaf loss without the vibrant fall colors typically seen.
In his upcoming talk, Angel will present historical weather patterns, including data on temperature, precipitation, and extreme events like droughts and heat waves.
He will also introduce tools to help farmers and growers monitor climate conditions and prepare for the upcoming fall and winter weather in east-central Illinois.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Illinois, Weather