No significant rainfall is expected in the Fairfield area and the southern Illinois region the next several days, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY. Forecasters are expecting the dry conditions to continue for at least the next seven days, and likely the next couple of weeks. The area should also see an end to the growing season later this week, as low temperatures are expected to drop into the middle 20s early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. A Freeze Watch has been issued from Monday evening through Tuesday morning for temperatures possibly as low as 23 degrees. Along with the dry conditions, winds are expected to increase the next couple of days, which will keep the risk for fires at an elevated level. Recent dry conditions have led to several field fires in the region. According to area reports, eight area fire departments were called to a fire that burned around 50 acres of soybean field stubble in a field fire southwest of Mt. Vernon, IL Friday afternoon. Je
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY say the southern Illinois region has a small chance for strong or severe thunderstorms late tonight and into Monday morning as a storm system moves out of the Southern Plains. Heavy rainfall is the main concern, however thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts, and a brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Fire heavily damaged a Mt. Vernon, IL church Friday afternoon. Media reports say firemen were called to the Landmark Church on North 11th Street around 3:15 p.m. Reports also said one of the pastors suffered burns in the fire. Firemen were called back a second time late Friday night after the fire reignited. Several fire departments assisted the Jefferson County Fire Protection District in fighting the fire. The application period for Wabash Valley College's honor society, Phi Theta Kappa is now open. Applications are available in the Student Services office and need to be turned in as soon as possible. Phi Thet