CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Parts of Central Illinois experienced light rain today, but experts warn that without substantial rainfall soon, water sources may be further strained.

Reagen Tibbs, a commercial agriculture educator with the Illinois Extension, shared that approximately nine million people statewide are currently affected by drought conditions. Tibbs and other experts are increasingly worried about the potential repercussions of this drought.

“The effects will soon be universal,” Tibbs commented. “Our communities and municipal water systems may start facing significant challenges, such as ensuring sufficient water availability. We might need to utilize stored water, purchase additional water supplies, or even buy costly bottled water from stores.”

Tibbs remains optimistic about potential rain this weekend. However, this year, numerous regions are already short by a foot of rain, experiencing less than 25% of their usual rainfall during August and September.