Let it rain. Let it pour. The U.S. Drought Monitor showed 85.5% of Illinois was abnormally dry or in some stage of drought as of Dec. 13, prior to this week’s rains. “It’s not curing the drought, but 2 inches of rain is definitely good,” said Trent Ford, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey. Ford discusses recent weather events and the likelihood of a white Christmas. READ MORE