As we pass the midpoint of March, relatively mild weather is continuing. January and February both set records, worldwide, as the warmest January and February on record.

While we didn’t set many records in Illinois, the past winter has been on the mild side, and that trend has continued into March.

Eric Schmidt of EJS weather in Newton, Il says the mild temperatures will continue. Even better, with soils fairly saturated with moisture, Schmidt expects normal to below normal rainfall for the next few weeks leading up to planting season.

Schmidt says we can thank the persistent El Nino for the mild weather.

Eric Schmidt of EJS Weather.