Using historical data across Illinois for July, the number of days at or above 90^oF and the average rainfall total per week are as follows: 1.9 days at or above 90^oF, 0.99 inches (June 30-July 6); 2.7 days, 0.80 inches (July 7-13); 2.8 days, 0.87 inches (July 14-20); 2.1 days, 0.95 inches (July 21-27); and 1.8 days, 0.78 inches (July 28-August 3).

For Illinois, average high temperatures in July typically range from 90^oF in the far south to 82^oF in the far northeast where Lake Michigan has cooling effects. As a result, days with temperatures 90^oF or higher are more common in southern Illinois than in northern Illinois. However, data indicate the greatest likelihood of hot weather during the three middle weeks of July, regardless of the location in the state.

Looking across the state, historical data show a fairly even distribution of precipitation throughout July with some tendency to be drier in the second week of July. The average amount of rainfall during July is 4.05 inches says Angel.

So far for June, cool, wet conditions early in the month have been balanced by warm, dry conditions later on. As a result, June is near average in terms of both temperature and precipitation. Soil moisture levels are adequate at present, although the warm, dry weather has dried out the surface layer at some locations.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for equal chances of above average, below average, and average temperatures for July. Historical records also indicate that hot days in June do not necessarily lead to hot weather in July and August.