Recent Rains Ease Drought Conditions on Eastern Shore

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, shows drought conditions continue to improve across Eastern Virginia, including Accomack and Northampton counties.

Moderate drought has now been largely eliminated from the Eastern Shore. Most of the region is now classified as abnormally dry, meaning some lingering dryness remains, but the area is no longer considered to be in an active drought.

Recent thunderstorms have boosted topsoil moisture and eased stress on crops. However, experts say groundwater supplies and streamflows will likely need additional time, and more rainfall, to fully recover.

The outlook for the Eastern Shore remains positive. If rainfall stays near normal over the next couple of weeks, the remaining abnormally dry designation could be removed in future U.S. Drought Monitor reports.