Drought: Will it end?

Parts of the Northeast are experiencing a drought (over 12 million people). By definition, a drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water resulting from this.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Areas in the tan are experiencing a moderate drought. A moderate drought can cause some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions requested. Areas in the yellow are experiencing abnormal dry conditions. This means the locations are going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures.

This map displays how much rain has been received compared to normal. As you can see, many locations are 2 or more inches below.

Luckily, lots of precipitation is on the way. Tropical storm Bill will help put an end to they drought by producing heavy rain. Remnants of Bill could merge with another low pressure system and produce downpours. We must keep a close eye on this because it could produce severe weather.

Sadly, NWS thinks the drought will continue in parts of the Northeast. In fact, they think the drought will get even worse. If this is the case, areas in the brown could experience a severe drought.

In the short term (6-10 days), lots of rain is on the way. The Northeast will see above average precipitation totals. I’m forecasting a stormy end to June.