CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ state climatologist says January weather was colder and drier than normal in the state without much snow.

Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel said Friday that the statewide average temperature last month was 24.1 degrees, 2.3 degrees below normal. He says temperatures fluctuated throughout the month from subzero readings to unusually warm periods. The highest temperature was 68 degrees in Jerseyville and the lowest recorded temperature was -24 degrees in Morrison.

Statewide average precipitation during January was 1.3 inches, about three-quarters of an inch below normal. The largest snowfall was 9.3 inches in Lake Villa and Gurnee.

The National Weather Service outlook for February forecasts increased chances of colder than normal conditions in the northern half of Illinois.

–Associated Press