The National Weather Service yesterday upgraded the drought status in the northeastern corner of Rhode Island from moderate to severe drought. Most of the rest of the state continues to be in a moderate drought, and although Newport County and Bristol County, Mass., have not yet reached drought status, the National Weather Service still considers those areas to be abnormally dry.
It’s the region’s third driest fall on record, which dates back to 1904, and the driest fall in 78 years. The lack of water is causing a record number of wildfires, and threatening water levels for animals like beavers and stream fishes. State officials warn that if the drought worsens, they may need to tell residents to start conserving water.
“It is extremely dry,” said Patrick MacMeekin, a wildfire supervisor for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. “That’s the take home message here.”
This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.
