SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) — This week’s drought monitor report has a little bit of good news, but also a little bit of bad news.
This is according to the latest summary from the United States Drought Monitor, which accounts for the conditions through 8 a.m. on Oct. 14.
What’s changed this week?
The good news is that the drought conditions for most of Central New York haven’t worsened compared to last week!
The little bit of bad news is that more of Jefferson County is considered in a severe drought.
Compare last week’s report to the most recent one released Oct. 16:
Drought warning continues for some parts of New York
While most of the area remains in a drought watch, parts of the Southern Tier, northern New York, and bordering Lake Ontario are still under a drought warning.
Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a drought watch means people should consciously save the amount of water they use for the moment.
In a drought warning, “voluntary water conservation is intensified, and public water supplies and industries are advised to update and implement local drought contingency plans,” the DEC says.
Latest rainfall stats
This should come as no surprise, but the first half of October is off to a dry start. As of Oct. 15, there’s been 1.09″ of rainfall, which is 0.77″ below normal for this point in the month.
Any rain on the way?
Conditions remain dry through the start of the weekend. There’s a chance a stray shower or two pass by Saturday. Otherwise it’s not looking like until later Sunday into the start of next week we’ll get in an unsettled rainy pattern.
Each week, the Storm Team will monitor the conditions when new reports are issued on Thursdays.