New York City issues first drought warning in two decades



The sky Is lit in red, orange and blue colors behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan Skyline just before sunrise in New York City on Thursday. New York City Mayor Eric Adams elevated the city's drought watch to a warning on Monday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Nov. 19 (UPI) -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued the city's first drought warning in 22 years, as its reservoirs continue to drop below normal amid a near-record dry spell.

The warning was issued Monday as wildfires have threatened to spark across much of the Eastern United States this fall, including in New York City, where a Brush Fire Task Force was launched on Sunday as 271 brush fires ignited citywide in the last two weeks -- a record over a 14-day period.

The fires are being exacerbated by dry weather. Adams told reporters during a press conference Monday that October and November saw the second-longest rainless streak in 155 years.

Officials said the city's water reservoirs were at about 60% capacity, significantly lower than the 79% for this time of year.

"Over the last 10 weeks, we have had 8.23 inches less rain than in the average year," Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala of the Department of Environmental Protection said. "So this drought has come on fast, it has come on furious, and that's why the last six weeks have been the driest on record."

The warning follows a drought watch issued by Adams earlier this month. With the upgrade to the second of three levels of water conservation, the mayor stated that city agencies were directed to immediately implement water-saving measures.

He also called on New Yorkers to continue to conserve water whenever and however possible.

"If we pull together and save water together, we'll be able to ride this through. And we can avoid a more serious drought that will require further restrictions in the city," he said.

New York Gov. Kathy also declared a drought watch because of "a historic shortage of rainfall" for the state, while elevating 15 counties in mid-Hudson and New York City to a drought warning.

"If you live in one of those areas, please conserve water where possible in the coming weeks," she said on X.

The governor has also declared a statewide burn ban.

The last time New York City was under a drought warning was in 2002.