Drought conditions remain steady, yet severe in Illinois Illinois is in need of relief as drought conditions remained steady across the state on Saturday. CHICAGO - Illinois is in need of relief as drought conditions remained steady across the state on Saturday. The 90-degree temperatures had everyone looking for ways to cool off. Chicago beaches were packed and local parks were a big hot spot as well. "Right now, it's just really hot and dry," said Barbara Arnold. And without enough rain lately, lawns and crops are indeed suffering. On Saturday, many people at Fasel & Sons Garden Center were working to keep their greenery healthy.