Drought Monitor Update: Tri-State Area Suffers from Prolonged and Extreme Drought
Drought Conditions Worsen in Tri-State Area
The latest update to the U.S. Drought Monitor was issued on Thursday, and the news isn’t good. The tri-state area is withering in a prolonged and increasingly extreme drought situation. The drought started in September, when the area got off to a very dry start. We ended the month with a large rain deficit. And then came October, which saw a whopping 0.01 inch of rain, making it the driest calendar month in Central Park since record-keeping began in the 1860s.
New Jersey Suffers Severe Drought
The staggering extended run of dry weather has led to worsening drought in the tri-state area. The latest update to the drought monitor shows every county within the area now under at least moderate drought conditions. Severe drought in New Jersey has expanded from South Jersey into Central, and even parts of North Jersey. For the first time since October 2002, parts of New Jersey are now suffering extreme drought conditions, including Ocean County.
New York Reservoirs Suffer from Low Water Levels
The lack of rain is also impacting the New York reservoirs, which provide water to nearly half the state, including NYC. On average, the reservoirs sit at about 79% capacity. At present, the reservoir network is at about 64% capacity. Levels for individual sites vary, but three of the seven locations are running at 50% capacity or lower, with the lowest at about 34%.
Drought Watch Issued for NYC
As a result of the lower water levels, NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch, urging city agencies to reduce water usage. The watch also encourages residents to do their part to cut the amount of water they use, suggesting actions like shorter showers.
Fire Danger Persists
Widespread drought is also the leading factor in the persistent fire danger across the region. The dearth of rainfall has allowed for extensive amounts of available dry brush, which makes wildfires easy to start and quick to spread. Currently, there are multiple active wildfires across the state of New Jersey, with some having started as recently as this week.
Fire Danger to Continue
The wildfire danger can be amplified on a daily basis by low humidity and gusty winds. Relative humidity is a measure of moisture in the air. When it falls to near or below 30%, wildfires are easy to start. Gusty winds, particularly those over 25 mph, aid in the rapid fire spread, making any fires that do catch very difficult to contain.
Conclusion
Until we get meaningful rain and reduce our near-eight inch seasonal rain deficit, the fire risk will only get worse. Our next chance for rain comes Sunday evening, but it won’t be impactful. Anywhere from a tenth to a half-inch of rain is expected. While any rain is worth celebrating at this point, this won’t scratch the surface of the rain we need to return to normal.
FAQs
Q: What is the current drought condition in the tri-state area?
A: The tri-state area is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, with every county under at least moderate drought conditions.
Q: How is the drought impacting New Jersey?
A: Severe drought has expanded from South Jersey into Central and parts of North Jersey, with some areas suffering from extreme drought conditions.
Q: How is the drought impacting New York City’s water supply?
A: The lack of rain is leading to low water levels in New York City’s reservoirs, with some reservoirs running at 50% capacity or lower.
Q: What is the current fire danger in the region?
A: The fire danger is high, with multiple active wildfires across New Jersey and low humidity and gusty winds making it easy to start and spread fires.
Q: When is the next chance for rain in the region?
A: Our next chance for rain comes Sunday evening, but it won’t be impactful, with only a tenth to a half-inch of rain expected.
