Parts of the Tri-State area have seen alarming drought conditions for decades, if not years, with very hot summers and very little rain.
The US Drought Monitor is a weekly update identifying the location and intensity of drought conditions. There are five categories:
1. Abnormally dry: high fire risk, slow planting and crop growth
2. Moderate drought: increasing water scarcity, damage to crops
3. Severe drought: potential water limitation, potential crop loss
4. Extreme drought: widespread water shortages and restrictions, massive crop losses
5. Exceptional Drought: High Potential for Water Emergency, Widespread Crop Loss
With the exception of parts of Sussex and Ocean counties in New Jersey, nearly the entire Tri-State is at least unusually dry. Nearly half of the region is experiencing at least moderate drought.
Drought conditions continue to escalate during this relatively dry summer, with severe drought occurring in parts of the region.
In New York City, 90.8% of Brooklyn, 42.35% of Staten Island, and 28.62% of Queens are experiencing severe drought.
It’s the first time in 20 years since the summer of 2002 that Brooklyn has experienced a severe drought. It is clear from the fact that there are many brown grasslands and many fallen leaves.
This severe drought region stretches east to southern Nassau County on Long Island and west to parts of Hudson, Essex, and Union counties in New Jersey. These regions have not experienced severe drought since 2017.
It was also the last time the Hudson Valley and parts of western Connecticut saw a severe drought. Much of New York City’s water system is located in parts of Westchester and Putnam counties. Most of the region is exposed to moderate drought. 85.16% of Putnam County is experiencing severe drought.
what’s next?
If this troubling trend continues, water restrictions may soon be possible. His official monthly forecast for August from the Center for Climate Prediction shows slightly below average precipitation for the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. At CPC, New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey have an equal chance of above-average or below-average precipitation.