The state climatologist says data show the statewide average precipitation in Illinois during August was 1.6 inches below average.

Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey said Tuesday that Illinois saw the 13th driest August on record since 1895. The U.S. Drought Monitor rated moderate to severe agricultural drought in Illinois because of less than average rain and higher than average temperatures.

The weather means damage to corn and soybeans appears significant in areas.

The driest part of the state was south of and near Interstate 74, where rainfall was an inch or less. Lovington in east-central Illinois had only 0.03 inches of rain in August. Northern Illinois did have average or above average rainfall.

The highest temperature recorded during August was 103 degrees in Cairo and Bentley.