CHAMPAIGN – After months of exceptionally warm temperatures and drought, Illinois finally experienced temperatures and precipitation closer to normal in August.

The statewide average temperature in August, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois, was 73.5 degrees, just 0.1 degree below normal.

The average temperature for August was also 73.5 degrees In Grundy County, according to the Weather Data Division of the Grundy County Emergency Management Agency. The high-mercury mark was 97 degrees on Aug. 4, while the low for the month was 54 degrees on Aug. 22.