Contact: Bob Chartuk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(516) 244-0166 9/1/95
Stephanie Kenitzer
(301) 713-0622
Much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States have received little or no rain since early August, exacerbating long-term dryness that has persisted since mid- March, and in some areas, since October, 1994. The dry conditions are impacting river and reservoir levels and crop production, and are creating dangerous wildfire conditions.
According to a Special Climate Summary released today by the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center in Camp Springs, Md., drought conditions are increasing in intensity across the northeastern quarter of the country.
Most of the Northeast and eastern Mid-Atlantic region recorded less than 75 percent of the normal precipitation during the past six months, with a few areas reporting under half of normal. Normals for the region range from 16 to 23 inches from March through August.
The New York City metropolitan area observed no measurable rainfall for 24 consecutive days in August (Aug. 7 - Aug. 30), breaking the previous monthly record of 19 straight days set in 1938. New York City's Central Park measured a meager 0.18 inches of rain during August, making it the driest August on record. National Airport in Washington, D.C., recorded an August record of 25 consecutive days without measurable rain. The all-time record is 32 straight days, set in 1963.
Reservoirs and river levels are low because of the dry conditions. The New York City reservoir system is at 67 percent of capacity; the reservoir is normally at 81 percent of capacity. This comes at a time when recharge into the region's acquifers is at a climatological minimum. Unfortunately, none of the heavy rains (up to 20 inches near Greenville, S.C.) from the remnants of Tropical Storm Jerry made it any farther north than central Virginia.
The majority of rivers and streams are at about one half of their normal flow for this time of year. The flow on the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg is 29 percent of normal, and the Delaware River at Trenton is at 73 percent of normal. The Hudson River at Ft. Edward is running at 29 percent of normal while the Connecticut River at North Stratford was at 28 percent of normal.
Some small municipal water systems with shallow wells have begun to issue water use restrictions. However, as conditions worsen, voluntary conservation measures such as drought watches will become more common. In some areas, more specific mandatory conservation measures are being taken.
The lack of rain on Long Island, N.Y., has led to tinder dry conditions which abetted large wildfires, reportedly the worst in 60 years, according to local officials. These fires consumed approximately 6,000 acres of land. Fire danger advisories have been issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. According to the National Interagency Coordination Center in Boise, Idaho, the current fire severity potential across most of New England and the mid- Atlantic is in the high to very high risk category, with pockets of extreme risk.
Thus far, agricultural interests have been impacted the most by the dry conditions. According to the Department of Agriculture, as of Aug. 28, topsoil moisture conditions across the region were reported as low to very low, with some crops stressed due to the hot, dry conditions. Late-planted vegetable crops in New England are showing the greatest stress. Yield and quality prospects for corn and soybeans are declining, with most crops reported in poor to very poor condition.
Regional, short-term forecasts through Sept. 9 suggest little significant relief from drought conditions. The five-day outlook (for Sep. 1-5) indicates slightly above normal temperatures and light to moderate rainfall. The six- to 10-day outlook calls for above to much above normal temperatures and below to normal precipitation. [Please note that this generalized outlook describes average conditions over large areas and time frames. For outlooks at specific locations, refer to the forecasts issued by the local NWS Forecast Office].