Orleans County now considered in ‘severe drought’
This map from the U.S. Drought Monitor posted today shows the “severe drought” conditions in all of Orleans, and parts of Genesee, eastern Niagara, Monroe and Wayne counties.
The persistent lack of rain has pushed Orleans County into a “severe drought.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor today updated the drought conditions around the county. Orleans County since Aug. 14 had been in a “moderate drought.”
But the continued lack of rainfall has the county in severe drought condition.
When that happens, the following impacts generally occur:
- Fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms for food
- Golf courses conserve water
- Producers begin feeding cattle; hay prices are high
- Specialty crops are impacted in both yield and fruit size
- Trees are brittle and susceptible to insects
- Warnings are issued on outdoor burns; air quality is poor
- Water quality is poor; groundwater is declining; irrigation ponds are dry; outdoor water restrictions are implemented
The map today from the Drought Monitor shows that 98.90 percent of the state is considered at least “abnormally dry.”
The map shows 41.76 percent of the land mass is considered at least “moderate drought” and 7.84 percent in “severe drought.”
Three months ago only 1.83 percent of state was “abnormally dry.”
