Virginia: Drought watch advisories issued for 38 counties due to lack of rain

Drought watch advisories in Virginia have been expanded to include 38 counties including Augusta and Rockingham.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, said the advisories are due to below normal precipitation levels in the state.

DEQ is working with local governments, public water works  and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed.

All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions and detecting and repairing leaks.

Virginia drought watch advisories

• Eastern Shore: Accomack and Northampton counties
• Northern Coastal Plain: Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties
• Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties
• Shenandoah: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties
• Southeast Virginia: Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach
• York-James: Charles City, Hampton, James City, Newport News, New Kent and York counties

Above-average temperatures and low precipitation have led to decreases in soil moisture profiles for the eastern and central regions of Virginia and notable decreases in streamflow in the eastern and northeastern regions.

Groundwater levels in most of the Commonwealth remain low and continue to exhibit seasonal and drought-related declines.

Three of the 13 evaluation regions are in less than the fifth percentile. The eight- to 14-day weather forecast predicts normal to above normal temperatures and chances of slightly below average precipitation.

Storage at major water supply reservoirs remain within normal ranges. Localities and Virginians that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken.

See the current drought status on the DEQ website.