RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Despite recent deluges from strong to severe thunderstorms, Virginia’s drought is rearing its ugly head again after showing some improvement at the beginning of the Summer. For example, three months ago only 37 percent of the Commonwealth was considered to be “Abnormally Dry,” and a mere 0.11 percent of the state was in the first level of drought, “D1 – Moderate.” Now, nearly the entire state is Abnormally Dry (91 percent of it) with Moderate Drought conditions starting to grow, and quickly. Compare D1 from just last week at 1.50 percent of the state to this week at 5.87 percent. If that trend continues, we’re in for some serious trouble for our mid and late Summer plants.
Here is our year-to-date rainfall deficit (departure from normal) in the Commonwealth:
At Richmond International Airport, the year-to-date precipitation is 4.75 inches below normal, standing at 16.58 inches. By July 4th, the average precipitation is closer to 21.33 inches. For perspective, we were a little drier-than-normal by this time last year, too, but not this dry.
Meteorologist Carrie Rose
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