Wet weather drenches drought

By LIAM MAYO
Posted 12/30/24

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER — Weather watchers in the mid-Atlantic are still concerned about drought conditions, but the wet weather of recent weeks has offered the region some reprieve. 

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Wet weather drenches drought

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UPPER DELAWARE RIVER — Weather watchers in the mid-Atlantic are still concerned about drought conditions, but the wet weather of recent weeks has offered the region some reprieve. 

The rain and snow in late November and early December led New York to reduce its drought status across the state to “drought watch.” Sullivan County had previously been under a “drought warning,” which is the next highest level of drought conditions. However, across the river, Pennsylvania has kept its drought conditions steady, with Wayne County remaining at a “normal” level (the lowest level of drought conditions) while Pike County remains at a “drought watch.” 

Precipitation has been slightly above average throughout the Upper Delaware River over the past 30 days. However, the area still has well below average precipitation over the last 90 days. 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) updated the state’s drought status on December 16. 

New York City and 10 additional counties statewide, including Sullivan County, returned to a “drought watch” from a “drought warning” status at that time. 

“While recent precipitation has alleviated dry conditions for many counties, New Yorkers should still be vigilant about water use and conservation,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. 

The change of drought status in New York City came in part from the city’s decision to pause repairs on the Delaware Aqueduct, which would have taken offline that major source of water for the city well into 2025. 

Mayor Eric Adams said that because of recent precipitation and snowmelt upstate, as well as the decision to pause the aqueduct repairs, the city is in “a much better place” than it had been. 

“However, it’s a good reminder of the kind of world climate change is creating: a world with more extreme weather events and more dangerous impacts,” he said. 

The precipitation that came to the Upper Delaware did not change the drought status of Pennsylvania’s counties therein. 

A drought watch was declared for Pike County, as well as 34 other counties across Pennsylvania, at the start of November, while Wayne County was left at a “normal” drought level. However, the precipitation the state received reduced the risk of fire statewide and allowed the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to lift a ban on campfires in state parks and on forest lands on November 22. 

The fire danger throughout Pennsylvania is “low” as of Thursday, December 26. 

drought, Upper Delaware River, rain, snow, precipitation

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