Drought
Weekly Drought Discussion
Published: Jul 23 | Valid: Jul 21 - Jul 28
Since last Tuesday, over 2.5” of rain was recorded in the hardest-hit drought area; the heaviest rain bands largely missed Providence County. 30-day and 60-day precipitation is near or above normal statewide. Across northern Rhode Island, precipitation remains below normal over last 3 and 6 months. Recent rains have replenished streamflows and soil moisture, but have not adequately recharged groundwater levels in Washington County. Outdoor water restrictions continue in several municipalities and the Governor’s statewide drought watch continues. The next update of the U.S. Drought Monitor will be Thursday, July 30.
Report Drought Impacts
Are there drought conditions or impacts near you? Submit a Condition Monitoring Observer Report (CMOR) to help document localized drought.
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What is Drought?
Drought is the natural deficiency of precipitation over weeks, months, and occasionally, years. 30-year precipitation averages, known as climate normals, provide the historical context behind drought. The spatial extent of drought can vary widely, as the Rhode Island's diverse terrain and coastal location create microclimates that respond to drought differently.
Progression of Drought
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Meteorological Drought
All droughts begin as a period of dryness (rainfall deficit). Annual seasonal dry periods are not to be considered droughts. Characteristics of meteorological drought include periods of high temperatures, high winds, and low relative humidity. Meteorological droughts increase the occurrences of forest fires.
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Agricultural Drought
After a few weeks, the agricultural community is impacted by the effects of drought, including precipitation deficits, inadequate soil moisture, and low water levels in irrigation ponds. Plants become stressed and lead to reduced crop yields.
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Hydrological Drought
Stream flows, reservoir and lake levels, and ground water tables decline after long periods of dryness. Hydrological droughts lag the occurrence of meteorological and agricultural droughts because it takes more time for precipitation deficits to impact water suppliers. View hydrological drought conditions on the Rhode Island Water Resources Board Drought Monitoring Dashboard.
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Returning to Normal Conditions
When precipitation patterns return to normal, the agricultural community is the first to recover. Soil water reserves are replenished first, followed by stream flows, reservoirs and lake levels, and finally groundwater tables. Users of groundwater, often the last to be affected by drought during its onset, may be the last to experience a return to normal conditions. Typically, 3 months of near normal precipitation and 2 months of normal groundwater levels are required to end a drought.