As we head into the coldest months of the year, a current mild drought has the potential to intensify this winter.

John Bumgardner at the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains in the southern part of the state, they are bordering an intense drought while in central Illinois we are in a moderate drought.

According to Bumgardner, one thing that can sometimes make drought conditions worse in the winter is that the ground firms up with the cold temperatures, creating run-off when we do get precipitation. 

Additionally, it takes ten inches of snow to equal one inch of rain moisture. Bumgardner points out that ratio can be higher depending on the type of snow that falls.

December is generally good for just an inch of rain while we typically get about five inches of snow. Bumgardner notes the end of the month is showing a trend to potentially be wet but if it isn't, things will be below average and set up the need for a lot of moisture in January and February.