Overall, the last month has featured typical spring conditions in Central Illinois, with moderate temperatures and average precipitation. However, there were multiple severe weather events on April 2 and April 20 in the area during this period, including one confirmed tornado in Tazewell County, and moderate, localized flooding. In the last days of March and the first 2/3 of April, we have had 4.4” of rainfall.
The highest observed temperature during this time was 79°F on April 23, and the lowest observed temperature was 24°F on March 31. We have seen some flower loss on fruit trees because of the late March hard freeze – but thankfully most apple and pear trees were between half-inch green and tight cluster at the time. We are now between first bloom and full bloom on apples, and thankfully, no concerning cold temperatures are forecast as of April 24.