If you were hoping snow from the first few weeks of the new year would help out drought conditions locally, the National Weather Service has some disappointing news for you.

Chris Miller at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates despite there being plenty of snow and ice the first week of the year, it is not having much of an impact on a drought that is already being closely monitored.

According to Miller, it has been an odd winter so far. Most of the snow and moisture has stayed to the north thanks to moderate temperatures. 

Back in the early parts of the winter, Miller warned a lot of snow would be unlikely to ease the drought. He says there is not a lot of liquid in the snow on top of the ground being frozen in some places.

The next chance of rain is early next week. Miller indicates that is a system they are keeping an eye on because it is not guaranteed to come to central Illinois and how much moisture it could bring is also in question.