Amid a drought warning, it's raining in NYC for the 1st time in weeks. But it won't be enough.
NEW YORK -- It's raining in New York City for the first time in weeks today, but it won't be enough to end the city's drought warning.
While Thursday's weather is certainly a welcomed change for the entire Tri-State Area, the abnormally dry conditions before the storm forced the city into its first drought warning in over 20 years.
"Not a drought buster"
The National Weather Service's New York office said Thursday's rain is "not a drought buster, but it will help, especially with ongoing fire weather issues."
According to the weather services, it will not be enough rain to fully replenish the city's reservoirs, which some reports show are at about 60% capacity, down from the usual 79%.
Without enough rain, the drought warning could become an emergency, which would mean mandatory water restrictions. However, officials are optimistic about the December forecast.
"We're getting about 2 inches of rain today, and that's actually a lot of rain. We will need another 6, 7, 8 inches in order to get out of drought. But it does look like in December we're gonna start moving in the right direction. We will still be in a drought, but it looks like instead of moving in the wrong direction, which is the way we've been. Instead of getting drier, which is what's been happening in October and November, in December it looks like at least we're gonna stay where we are or get a little bit wetter," said Jackie Bray, with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Long drought leads to brush fires in NYC
Mayor Eric Adams announced restrictions on Monday in an effort to prevent more brush fires from breaking out. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 14, the FDNY said it responded to 271 brush fires -- the most ever in a two-week period.
For the first time, the fire department launched a Brush Fire Task Force, comprised of fire marshals, inspectors and tactical drone units to ensure quick responses to the fires and investigations into how they started.
Among the restrictions announced by the mayor, the city suspended issuing permits for fireworks displays or open flames anywhere in the five boroughs.
Adams also urged city residents to conserve water when possible.
The National Weather Service's New York office said Thursday's rainfall will onot be enough to fully replenish the city's reservoirs, which some reports show are at about 60% capacity, down from the usual 79%.
