High temperatures and rainfall well below normal have intensified drought conditions across the Midwest in recent weeks.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 58 percent of the region is now in moderate to extreme drought, compared to eight percent five weeks ago.
Illinois state climatologist Travis Ford said conditions are pointing to the worst drought conditions since at least 2012.
"Soil moisture conditions have continued to plummet, stream flow also very, very low, near record lows," Ford said.
Ford said farmers are already having to irrigate to keep certain crops alive, and if conditions persist into August, some crops will be lost.
"Hanging on is probably the best way to put it," said Ford. "Irrigation, especially vegetable and fruit growers are having to irrigate quite a bit."
Last week, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announcing emergency access to water and hay for farmers. One producer in northwest Missouri said he hasn't seen conditions this bad since 1988.
Water levels on the region's rivers haven't reached last year's lows yet but the worst could be to come in July and August. Barge companies have ordered a reduction in loads due to multiple reports of barges running aground on the lower Mississippi.
