CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ state climatologist says last month was the 10th-warmest March on record. Illinois has now experienced warmer-than-average temperatures in every month since September.
Climatologist Jim Angel said in a news release that the statewide average temperature for March was 46.5 degrees. That is 5.2 degrees warmer than the average.
Angel points out that just about the entire country experienced a warmer-than-usual March, too.
Angel said Illinois’ warmer trend is due to the influence of El Niqo on winters.
March was also wetter than usual in Illinois. The statewide average precipitation for the month 3.28 inches. That’s about a third of an inch more than usual.
The highest precipitation totals for the month were in southern Illinois.
