There has been ample rain throughout much of Virginia this summer, with no active drought advisories in the state.
While that may sound like good news, people living in Waynesboro have seen very little rain in August and September. In many cases, residents can hear nearby storms, but they break up or move west or east of the city.
The lack of rain has reached an almost comical state for homeowners with many throwing in the towel on gardening for the year.
One resident said we’ve officially reached the “who gives a damn garden season” with others lamenting the brown, crispy flowers and crunchy grass.
“Even the weeds are dead.”
Social media posts have taunted the weather forecast which sometimes shows a 100 percent chance of rain, and it still misses the city.
“Rain ending? We haven’t had any rain.”
In August, rain measured under a half inch for the entire month; in September, it’s been less than a quarter inch to date, according to a digital gauge located just off Rosser Avenue.
The average monthly rainfall for the Shenandoah Valley this time of year is around three inches.
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AccuWeather meteorologist Thomas Kines said that one factor in the lack of an advisory is likely that the larger area around Waynesboro has gotten more rain, diluting the average.
“The flow in the streams and rivers are running well below normal for this time of year,” Kines told AFP.
“The Waynesboro area has been drier than the surrounding area and perhaps that is the reason for the area not being put into a more dire category.”
Kines said he is watching the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality drought monitor with interest as the next map should be released later this week.
Unfortunately, the extended forecast shows more of the same for Waynesboro.
“We are not seeing any significant rain in the foreseeable future,” Kines said.
Currently, there is a chance of thunderstorms on Sept. 16 and rain possible on Sept. 23 and 26.
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Crystal Graham
