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The Tri-State area, which has been grappling with the driest weather in decades, is expected to receive some much-needed rainfall this week. According to the National Weather Service, steady rain is expected to move in on Wednesday night, with totals ranging from half an inch to one inch. While this is unlikely to completely alleviate the extremely dry conditions, it will help mitigate some of the drought effects.
In addition to the rain, a major storm is forming over the Great Lakes and is expected to bring more precipitation to the area, including potential snow showers. However, these snow showers will likely be confined to the mountainous northwestern region of New Jersey.
The lack of rain in recent months has led to a drought warning in New Jersey, with Bergen County receiving just 2.2 inches of rain in the past 90 days, 83% below normal. This has resulted in North Jersey's drinking water reservoirs dipping below typical levels for this time of year and has increased the risk of wildfires.
The dry conditions have also affected the state's reservoirs. The three reservoirs on the Hackensack River operated by Veolia are currently at 58% capacity, compared to the usual 61% for this time of year. The Wanaque and Monksville reservoirs, operated by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, are at 44% and 87% capacity respectively.
The upcoming rainfall, while not a complete solution, is a welcome relief. As Matthew Tauber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said, "That's a lot more than we've seen in recent weeks."