[jwplatform T7xAYzbW]
The U.S. Drought Monitor has classified the state of
Connecticut as being in a moderate drought.
“We are about four to five inches below normal for
the year to date which is substantial,” said Gary
Lessor.
Gary Lessor of the Western CT State University Weather
Center says CT should be averaging about 4 inches of rain
per month at this time of the year. But, the area has only
received about half an inch of rain total in the month of
May.
“Once we hit late June right on through September, we have
the potential to become very dry again. At that point, we
may become a level two or three,” said Lessor.
There are four drought levels- our area is experiencing a
moderate drought, while California is in an exceptional drought.
These weather patterns are all due to El Nino.
“El Nino is a warming in the Pacific Ocean,” said Lessor.
Lessor says that El Nino is currently in the central Pacific
and that controls the weather for most of the United States.
“Being that it’s a strong one, that’s why we are seeing
droughts on both coasts and flooding in the middle,” said
Lessor.
Lessor says there are thunderstorms in the forecast and that
rainfall will be beneficial for vegetation in the area.
