Illinois is located in between Iowa and Indiana and shares a northeastern border with Lake Michigan. This results in some lake effect precipitation throughout the year, as well as cold front effects from Canada.
Illinois' average annual rainfall varies by only a few inches from north to south. The average is around 36 to 38 inches in the northern half of the state, while the southern portion of Illinois can see anywhere from 40 to 48 inches annually.
Illinois' rainfall and varieties of rich soil allow the state to be a leader in the nation for crop production. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website, "Illinois ranks second nationally in the export of agricultural commodities with nearly $4 billion worth of goods shipped to other countries each year."
