Orleans remains in ‘moderate drought’ as dry conditions spread in NY
Photo by Tom Rivers: The grass is very yellow by these trees at Lyndonville Central School on Tuesday evening. Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought” after several weeks of being “abnormally dry.”
Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought.” Those conditions have spread in the state, up from 3.8 percent of the land a week ago to 5.6 percent in today’s update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The “abnormally dry” conditions also have spread from 49.3 percent of the state to 61.5 percent.
No where in the state was considered to be in a moderate drought until the map was updated today. All of Orleans is in moderate drought. A week ago that designation also includes most of Genesee, about half of Monroe and Niagara, and the northern part of Erie. It has spread east to most of Wayne County, and also includes a part of New York City.
In moderate drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor said honey production declines, irrigation use increases, and hay and grain yields are lower than normal.
Trees and landscaping also are stressed, fish are stressed, reservoir and lake levels are below normal capacity, and wildfires and ground fires increase.
