Moderate drought expands in Central New Jersey and in regions in Northern New Jersey

With the recent rain being abrupt and intense, it is difficult for the ground to absorb the water that runs off.

Mike Rizzo

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Jul 18, 2024, 4:39 PM

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Updated 45 days ago

Current drought outlook shows a moderate drought is occurring in Mercer County and surrounding areas in southern Hunterdon and northern Burlington counties. There is also a moderate drought for communities along the Passaic River Valley in Northern New Jersey and the northern areas of Warren County.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, impacts in regions under a MODERATE DROUGHT typically experience:

Honey production declines
Irrigation use increases; hay and grain yields are lower than normal
Trees and landscaping are stressed; fish are stressed
Voluntary water conservation is requested; reservoir and lake levels are below normal capacity
Wildfires and ground fires increase

With the recent rain being abrupt and intense, it is difficult for the ground to absorb the water that runs off. We anticipate a continuation of dry weather conditions that extend into the weekend and next week. Chances for rain increase on Monday, but the state needs steady lighter rain that occurs at a lower intensity so that the ground can absorb it much easier.

MORE: New Jersey's forecast