N.Y. weather: Did recent rain do anything to alleviate severe drought conditions?

New York’s Staten Island. It’s no secret that the past few days have seen a good amount of rain in New York City. What does this resumption of precipitation, though, signify for the current drought?

Dan Pydynowski, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, stated that while the tri-state region received 1.5 to 2 inches of rain overall from this storm, the amount of rain is not significant over the long run.

Although the rain is helpful, Pydynowski clarified that the city has had a severe rainfall shortage in recent months.

According to Pydynowski, the average rainfall from September 1 to Saturday, Nov. 23, would be around 11.25 inches. New York City has received less than four inches in that same period this year, even after the most recent storm. According to Pydynowski’s calculations, New York City has received 7 to 7.5 inches less than the normal amount that should be received.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most recent map, severe drought conditions are still present in New York City.

Although it is helpful, Pydynowski stated that it does not completely eliminate the drought conditions and return things to normal.

The most recent storm does offer some respite, even if we are still far behind where we ought to be.

Thankfully, Pydynowski said, this most recent rainfall significantly lowers the likelihood of any additional brush fires in the Northeast and New England. A minimum of fifteen brush fires have been started on Staten Island alone in the past several weeks.

The city may set a record for the driest autumn in New York City history if it survives until the end of November without any further cumulative rainfall. As of right now, Central Park has seen its driest fall on record in September, October, and November since 1908. According to the National Weather Service, the city only received 4 inches of rain at the time.