Extreme drought conditions for parts of Southern New England

Chelsea Priest,
Drought 811

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The updated drought monitor was released this morning and the conditions have worsened for parts of New England. Last week’s drought monitor had the entire area under severe drought conditions.

With this week’s monitor, extreme drought conditions are now being reported for many.

This week’s monitor does not take into account the rainfall that came Tuesday afternoon and evening as the cut off is 8 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. That being said, we will need significantly more rain to change the drought conditions for the better.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the historical impacts of extreme drought conditions are as follows:

  • Crop loss is widespread; Christmas tree farms are stressed; dairy farmers are struggling financially
  • Well drillers and bulk water haulers see increased business
  • Water recreation and hunting are modified; wildlife disease outbreak is observed
  • Extremely reduced flow to ceased flow of water is observed; river temperatures are warm; wells are running dry; people are digging more and deeper wells

Our next drought monitor will be released on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 8:30 a.m.

Categories: News

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