Much of Illinois is in dire need of rain and while short-term outlooks don't have much to offer, July and August just might.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates soil moisture is rapidly declining and so the need for rain is significant. While June only has limited possibilities for rain, he is optimistic July and August could help us turn our fortune.

Because the spring was so dry, it altered the outlook for the summer. Shimon explains that on top of El Nino forming in the Pacific is causing forecasters to adjust the outlooks for this summer.

Yesterday on Regional Radio, we made note of Shimon pointing out the development of an El Nino pattern and perhaps as it develops it gives us the possibility of some beneficial rains. 

Only a tenth of an inch of rain or less was reported across most of Illinois from those weekend rain showers but Shimon notes we see another possibility of rain as soon as Friday afternoon and evening. He says the most beneficial rain will be a slow and steady rain shower.