Long Island in 'moderate drought' status after two months of record dryness

Long Island has been moved into "moderate drought" status by a federal agency monitoring weather conditions, a change that caps off two months of little rain in the region.

The U.S. Drought Monitor has six levels, ranging from no risk to "exceptional drought." Long Island, northern New Jersey and part of the Lower Hudson Valley were raised on Thursday to the second of the six levels.

National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Pollina said, "Conditions have been dry for a while ... We're in a moderate drought now."

Drought is slowly creeping into our area as we continue to see more rain-free days. NE NJ, NYC and Long Island are now under a Moderate Drought. Our 7-day forecast calls for a few chances for showers, but not significant enough to offset any drought concerns. #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/tu0dapfQR9

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) October 31, 2024

"If it prolongs into next year, it could affect crops, Pollina said.

The weather service Thursday also put out a red flag warning in effect for New York City and Long Island for Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Although there is a 30% chance of showers Friday morning, relative humidity could be low and the high temperature is forecast to be 77 degrees, with winds gusting up to 28 mph with higher gusts.

The warning means "critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential."

September was the driest on record for Islip, with just 0.24 inches of rain recorded, the weather service said. October was also looking to be one of the driest on record and the trend has been mirrored through the central and eastern United States.

The weather service said on X on Thursday: "Our 7-day forecast calls for a few chances for showers, but not significant enough to offset any drought concerns."