Heavy rains pause drought and reduce fires

Pictured: Lake Russell. Charlie Russell photo.

The heavy rains have helped alleviate the drought conditions experienced over the past year on the Eastern Shore. Rainfall totals from Sunday night through Monday morning reached 1.7 inches in central Accomack County, bringing the year-to-date total to 11.5 inches.

The increased moisture has significantly reduced the number of brush fires reported in both counties. However, the burn ban remains in effect, restricting outdoor burning until after 4 p.m.

In March 2024, the Shore received over six inches of rain, but the summer and fall that followed were drier than normal.

The National Weather Service updates its drought map monthly. The latest update shows that Northampton County is no longer under drought conditions, while the southernmost part of Accomack remains abnormally dry. The rest of Accomack, from Keller north, is still classified as being in a moderate drought.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service predicts average temperatures with above-average precipitation for the Eastern Shore over the next 8 to 14 days. Another front will move through the area Thursday, bringing another chance at rain Thursday and Thursday night, with windy conditions expected Thursday night and Friday.