Mayor elevates drought warning

November 19, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE – MAYOR ADAMS ON Monday announced that the city’s drought watch has been upgraded to a drought warning, following the city’s second-longest rainless streak in 155 years of recorded history. The mayor, the city’s commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection Rohit Aggarwala and other officials discussed the state of city reservoirs, which are currently at 60% capacity compared to a season-typical 80%, as well as the ongoing brush fire crisis.

New Yorkers are asked to conserve water by taking shorter showers, not allowing water to run, reporting open fire hydrants and addressing leaks. Government agencies will also be aiding the effort: the MTA will cut washes of its stock, while Parks is reducing water usage across public spaces and the state Department of Health is working with water suppliers on conservation plans. Repair work on the Delaware Aqueduct has also been temporarily paused. The state also remains under a no-burn order issued by the governor, meaning open flames, fires and grilling are prohibited.

The rainless streak is forecasted to end soon, however: Thursday has a 100% chance of rain, with half an inch predicted, while Friday has a 50% chance, with another half an inch possible.

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