Extreme drought spreads into Atlanta, persists in northwest

A small section of northeast Hall is still in extreme drought, along with most of Banks County, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. “So we don’t see any break in the drought at this point”, Nicosia said. Outdoor techniques include limiting outdoor water use, covering swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporative loss, sweeping driveways, walks, patios, and other outdoor areas with a broom rather than hosing them off. State-owned facilities are being instructed to take measures to conserve water.

“Extended drought conditions can have far reaching, long term environmental impacts that affect us all, making it increasingly important that we work collaboratively and incorporate water conservation practices into our daily routines”, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.

Last week, less than 4 percent of MA was considered in extreme drought – the Merrimack Valley has been at this designation for weeks – but Thursday, the drought monitor almost quadrupled the margin. And state officials are ensuring that plans are in place to provide enough water for firefighting and public safety purposes.

Many cities and towns in MA already have issued mandatory restrictions on outdoor lawn watering and other activities. On a state-by-state level, MA expanded its drought declaration, CT continues its drought declaration, and now Rhode Island has issued a drought advisory.

The state is also planning to offer grants to struggling farms. The extreme southern part of Monroe County is included as well. While rain is on the forecast for the region in the next eight to 10 days, it’s not enough to be “drought busting”, said Meteorologist Dave Nicosia at the National Weather Service in Binghamton.

When added to the area of “severe” drought, the affected area grows to 64 percent of the state.