Hot Enough for You? We're Close to a Drought, Weather Service Says

New record for rainfall set Friday; tips on how to prevent fires and protect your landscaping when it's hot and dry.

When's the last time it rained? If you can't remember, it's probably because there's been just 1,200th of an inch of precipitation in June, National Weather Service meteorologist Gino Izzi says. In fact, it's been so dry that the rainfall record for the first 15 days of June -- 100th of an inch, set in 1922 -- was toppled Friday, Izzi said. And even with the slight chance of thunderstorms Saturday night and Sunday, it's possible the area could set the record for the dryest June in recorded history if conditions continue, he said. That record was set in 1988, when only one inch of rain fell, he said. "That would be an extraordinary record to break," Izzi said. Given that Will County's had just eight to nine inches of rain in the last 90 …

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About Town

When the Heat Goes Up, Plainfield Folks Stay Home

You'd think there would be a rush on supplies at area hardware stores to find items to help combat the heat wave, but customers are mostly staying home, managers say.

When it comes to stocking up on heat-beating supplies, the problem is that Plainfield is not. “They’re beating the heat by not going out at all,” said Dave Flentge, manager of Kin-Ko Ace Hardware on Lockport Street. His business is cold, he said. The place is empty. The few who do brave the sweltering sun to shop are buying sprinklers and hoses. “They’re not taking care of themselves; they’re taking care of their lawns,” Flentge said. Buikema Ace Hardware north on Route 59 has only a few sprinklers left. Also hot right now: furnace filters. “It’s important to keep a clean filter when you’re running your air conditioner so much,” said Maureen, a store worker. Here’s another tip for folks trying to keep cool: You can buy a bag of ice at the …

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