Drought conditions have come on quickly in central Illinois.

National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Geelhart says the July heat in Illinois produced a flash drought. Geelhart is in the weather service's Lincoln office and he says the worst conditions are from Macomb through Springfield to Decatur.

There have been reports of crop damage, voluntary water restrictions and wells running low or dry. Illinois farming experts say hot, dry weather is cutting early corn yields and soybean yields will suffer if more rain doesn't fall.

Springfield saw 0.25 inches of rain in August, 2.88 inches below normal. It was the second-driest August on record.

Decatur saw 0.01 inches of rain during August. Recently the city has suggested citizen take steps to save water.