Drought Monitor puts Orleans, WNY as ‘abnormally dry’
Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo from this morning shows corn fields on Gaines Basin Road, north of the Erie Canal in Gaines.
Orleans County and most of Western New York is considered “abnormally dry,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
That is based on data from July 5. It hasn’t rained much since then.
The U.S. Drought Monitor releases a map every Thursday, using data from two days earlier. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry, showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional.
The Drought Monitor says abnormally dry areas could see slowing of plant and crop growth.
Most of today is forecast to be another dry day with a high of 86. There is a slight chance of showers before 11 p.m., then a chance for showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. New rainfall amounts are possible between a quarter and half of an inch.
More rain is likely during the day on Tuesday with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. The new rainfall amounts are expected between a quarter and half of an inch.
This cornfield on Gaines Basin Road has maintained its green despite little rain the past three weeks.
