NORFOLK, Va. — It's Thursday, and that means a new, updated drought monitor report has been issued. This week's report highlights significant changes, our entire area has been plunged into "moderate" drought conditions.
This is a perfect example of a rapid onset drought. Weeks of low soil moisture, rainfall deficits, along with hot and dry conditions have brought us to this point.
Just two weeks ago, only a fraction of our area was abnormally dry. Now we're all under moderate drought conditions.
What are some of the effects of moderate drought conditions? This is the lowest tier of drought, and impacts include an increase in wildfire danger. A more local, immediate impact has been a crunchy lawn and thirsty garden.
Droughts don't usually develop so quickly. Such a large increase in drought coverage over a small window of time is defined as a rapid onset drought.
Ninety percent of the state of Virginia is now under moderate drought conditions compared to less than 25% a week ago. It's more of the same over in North Carolina, with over half the state in moderate drought this week, compared to 0% last week.
I know what you're thinking: it rained Thursday morning! Yes, it did. However, the date used to compile the drought monitor report ends Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. So while it was very beneficial, this morning's rain was not accounted for in today's release.
