While a Drought Watch remains in effect across the Garden State, recent beneficial rains have eased drought concerns. However, we cannot let our drought guard down, as this spring southern counties did not receive as much precipitation as further north, and river and ground water levels remain below seasonal norms in portions of the state.

Fortunately, rainfall for the first half of June has been well above normal in the north and close to normal in the south. However, monthly precipitation deficits exceeded an inch in February, March (a record dry month) and May. As always, one should use our precious fresh water resources prudently.

The first half of June has been between 1.5 and 2 degrees cooler than normal. This is at least a temporary change from what has been a very warm period that extends back well into 2005. In fact, the June 2005 through May 2006 period was the warmest such interval on record in New Jersey back to the beginning of state-wide observations in 1895. 11 of the past 12 months have been above normal. All but 3 of the 11 have exceeded the norm by more than 2 degrees. The current outlook for the rest of June is for NJ temperatures to average above normal, so the jury is out as to whether June joins December 2005 as the only below normal month in the past year.

Continue checking this web site or go directly to our Water Watch page for updates on conditions.