Video: Joining “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the ongoing drought conditions is Kevin Birk, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. (Produced by Alexandra Silets)

Thunderstorms are as much a part of the rhythm of summer in Chicago as cookouts, baseball and street festivals.

In an average year,Chicago could expect seven thunderstormsin June. As of June 19, there hadn’t been a single widespread soaker.

According to the agency, June typically sees more than 40 severe weather warnings, either for thunderstorms or tornadoes. There’s only been one issued in June 2023, and only 10 total since late April.

The dearth of thunderstorms is as much a symptom of the current drought as a cause.

A persistent high pressure system has been largely responsible for the drought, blocking moist air from the Gulf of Mexico from reaching Chicago,Trent Ford, Illinois state climatologist,previously explained to WTTW News.

To form,thunderstorms need moisture, rising unstable air and lift. The high pressure is pushing air down, which is the opposite of the lift needed for rainmaking, Ford said.

(National Weather Service Chicago)

Note: This article was published June 19 and updated with video June 20.

Contact Patty Wetli:@pattywetli| (773) 509-5623 |[email protected]