Drought conditions persist on the Eastern Shore

As of January 10, 2025, the National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA, reports that drought conditions continue to affect the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including Accomack and Northampton counties. Severe drought (D2) persists across portions of the Lower Maryland Eastern Shore, while moderate drought (D1) remains in place for the Eastern Shore and other areas in northeast North Carolina and south-central Virginia. Despite recent snowfalls, over the past 30 days, below-normal precipitation has been recorded across the region, leading to much-below-normal streamflow levels in Accomack and Northampton counties, as well as significant hydrological impacts throughout the area.

In response to the ongoing drought, the State of Virginia has issued a drought watch for much of eastern Virginia, including the Eastern Shore. Meanwhile, the State of Maryland has implemented a drought warning for the Maryland Eastern Shore. Local streams and rivers, including those in the lower Potomac, Rappahannock, York, James, and Chowan River basins, are experiencing reduced flows, further highlighting the severity of the drought.

Looking ahead, the seven-day precipitation forecast predicts between 0.25 and 0.75 inches of rain across the region. However, long-term projections indicate near- to below-normal precipitation through the end of March, with above-normal temperatures expected during this period. Unfortunately, no significant improvement in drought conditions is anticipated. Residents and stakeholders in Accomack and Northampton counties are encouraged to stay informed and implement water conservation measures where possible.

For more information, visit the National Drought Mitigation Center at drought.gov or the NWS Drought Information page at weather.gov/AKQ/DroughtInformationStatement.