According to the U.S. Drought Monitor's latest findings released on March 5, 2026, drought conditions are worsening across much of the United States, particularly in the Midwest. In Illinois, the drought severity index has increased, with the Moderate Drought category rising from 80.88% to 82.94%. Other Midwest states like Indiana and Missouri are facing similarly dire situations, with precipitation levels less than half of normal. Despite recent rains in central and southern Missouri, drought conditions remain largely unchanged.