NYC’s 1st rain in weeks not enough to dispel drought concerns

NEW YORK — It was raining in New York City for the first time in weeks on Thursday, but the totals won’t be enough to end the city’s drought warning.
While the precipitation was certainly a welcomed change for the entire Tri-State Area, the abnormally dry conditions before the storm forced the city into its first drought warning in more than 20 years. 
The National Weather Service’s New York office said Thursday’s rain will “not a drought buster, but it will help, especially with ongoing fire weather issues.”
According to the weather services, it will not be enough rain to fully replenish the city’s reservoirs, which some reports show are at about 60% capacity, down from the usual 79% at this time of the year.
Without enough rain, the drought warning could become an emergency, which would mean mandatory water restrictions. However, officials say they are optimistic about the December forecast.
“We’re getting about 2 inches of rain today, and that’s actually a lot of rain. We will need another 6, 7, 8 inches in order to get out of drought. But it does look like in December we’re gonna start moving in the right direction. We will still be in a drought, but it looks like instead of moving in the wrong direction, which is the way we’ve been. Instead of getting drier, which is what’s been happening in October and November, in December it looks like at least we’re gonna stay where we are or get a little bit wetter,” said Jackie Bray, with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
“This is where we are seeing the impact of climate change, the lack of rain, the dry conditions,” Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue added.  
Mayor Eric Adams announced restrictions on Monday in an effort to prevent more brush fires. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 14, the FDNY said it responded to 271 brush fires — the most ever in a two-week period. 
For the first time, the fire department launched a Brush Fire Task Force, comprised of fire marshals, inspectors and tactical drone units to ensure quick responses to the fires and investigations into how they started. 
Among the restrictions announced by the mayor, the city suspended issuing permits for fireworks displays or open flames anywhere in the five boroughs. 
Adams also urged city residents to conserve water when possible.