"On paper, it doesn't sound too dramatic; 1999 remains the record holder, clocking in at a parched 3.9 inches, but compared to the usual 14 inches that Gotham expects, this summer was bone-dry. If you were convinced otherwise by September's freak flash floods, you're not alone. Those torrents actually gave us the second-wettest in city history, but when you zoom out, short, intense storms don't add up to a replenished summer."
"So, are we officially in drought territory? The answer depends on where you stand. New York City's six reservoirs are sitting comfortably, just 2-percent shy of capacity, which means the taps are safe for now. The Department of Environmental Protection has reassured residents that the city isn't under a drought watch, so you don't need to feel guilty about running the dishwasher tonight."
"Upstate, however, is a different story. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 50 out of 62 counties, or about 80-percent of the state, are currently under a drought watch. That's the earliest level of advisory, meant to signal "hey, let's keep an eye on this" rather than "grab your buckets." Still, it's a reminder that when rainfall takes a vacation, the ripple effects can hit farms, energy production and even wildfire risk."
Summer rainfall in New York City totaled just 8.7 inches between June and August, 36 percent below average, making it the driest summer since 1999. Brief but intense September storms produced some of the wettest single-day totals in city history but failed to replenish seasonal deficits. New York City reservoirs sit roughly 2 percent shy of capacity, leaving municipal supplies secure and not subject to a drought watch. Upstate conditions differ, with about 50 of 62 counties under an early drought watch. Officials encourage conservation measures to reduce impacts on farms, energy production and wildfire risk.
Read at Time Out New York
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]