Drought conditions in NYC: When will it rain?
Editor's note: The video aired on Nov. 4
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As November progresses, the ongoing lack of rain and precipitation in New York City remains a significant concern.
In October, New York City recorded the second-longest dry streak in city history, prompting officials to declare a drought watch and urging water conservation.
Despite the dry start, the extended forecast reveals November will see precipitation as soon as Sunday evening. Showers should bring nearly a quarter of an inch of rainfall to the city.
After Sunday, the forecast predicts the next chance of rain will come Thursday, Nov. 14.
The much-needed rain will be a warm welcome, as areas around the tri-state area are currently dealing with severe or moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Why should New Yorkers be concerned about droughts?
Long droughts can have several negative impacts on people, including numerous health risks and agriculture as farms may see less crop yield, leading to a reduction in food supply.
A hazard mitigation report also suggests that a water shortage could lead to a reduction in soil volume, which could compromise the stability of buildings. Water-dependent cooling systems could also experience disruptions.
Many power-generation plants that rely on the water supply to produce power could also be affected. This could be especially worrisome during colder months, as New York City’s steam system heavily relies on water to heat homes and buildings.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.