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Northeast Drought Worsens
The Northeast US is facing a severe drought causing widespread wildfires and prompting mandatory water restrictions. Climate change is likely a contributing factor.
English
United States
Us PoliticsClimate ChangeEnvironmentWildfiresClimateDroughtWater
National Oceanic And Atmospheric AdministrationCornell UniversityNew Jersey Forest Fire ServiceNew Jersey American WaterUcla
Samantha BorisoffPhil MurphyGreg MclaughlinEran Friedler
- What is the impact of the drought on wildfire risk?
- The dry conditions and low humidity have fueled massive wildfires, like the Jennings Creek Fire, the largest in New York since 2008. Increased fire danger is forecast for the coming days due to warmer temperatures and higher winds.
- What measures are being taken to address the drought?
- New Jersey has declared a drought warning and implemented mandatory water conservation measures. Other states are considering similar actions, and further restrictions are possible if the drought persists.
- How significant is the rainfall deficit in the region?
- The lack of precipitation since September has resulted in a significant rainfall deficit of 6 to 9 inches in areas from Baltimore to Boston. Multiple soaking rain storms will be needed to alleviate the drought.
- What is the current state of drought in the Northeast?
- The Northeast is experiencing a severe drought, with some areas facing the driest October on record. This has led to increased wildfire risk and mandatory water restrictions in places like New Jersey.
- What role might climate change be playing in this drought?
- Climate change is likely exacerbating the drought conditions. Warmer temperatures increase evaporation rates, leading to drier conditions, while a UCLA study links human-caused climate change to more extreme droughts.