Ida creates major improvements in the drought

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - We’ve seen very beneficial rainfall over the past several weeks, and the remnants of Ida is the latest to put a dent in the drought.

Each Thursday, the National Integrated Drought Information System, through NOAA, publishes their updated drought conditions across the country.

Last week’s drought monitor showed at least a minor drought for most and a moderate drought for some.

Most of the area was at least under a minor drought. Some were under a moderate drought.(WHSV)

Fast forward to this week, and a major dent was put in the drought. There are now only a few areas still under a minor drought.

The drought has been erased for much of the area(WHSV)

The remnants of Ida significantly improved this situation as the area saw 2 to 5 inches of rain widespread. Summer thunderstorms brought needed rain in select areas, not everybody.

This is certainly great news for local agriculture, as well as for folks who were growing weary of watching their lawns and gardens wilt under the burden of so many dry days.

The drought monitor does not include the 1 to 4 inches of rain that some of the area recorded Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The drought may be much improved, but a dry spell for at least the next week could potentially reverse drought conditions. We are entering the time of year that dry spells commonly happen with the majority of rain coming from tropical systems.

We will have another update on drought conditions next Thursday.