The drought that has clenched tightly onto New England since the springtime of 2001 has no plan to let its grasp weaken. Despite the recent rainfall, only short-term help is predicted. The drought began after precipitation was bountiful during March 2001. The record precipitation in and around the North Conway region did very little to aid the dryness of the coming months.
The continuous streak of clear skies with temperatures into the 80s and 90s forced the ground to dry up in rapid timing during the summer months. Signs of dryness were rampant throughout the area, as green grass turned into a brown pigment. Not only had the color changed, but the conditions also became very dusty. By September, the dry spell was well under way as a ten-inch rainfall deficit amounted to nearly twenty inches by March of 2002. The autumn months showcased no improvement as the premier leaf colors had peaked in fair form. Meteorologists had hoped that the coming winter months would spare the North Conway region from a severe drought, but as we all know, the warm temperatures and below normal precipitation continued.
The drought has occupied the area for nearly one year. Immediate state wide affects from the drought include the fact that reservoirs have dried up to record levels; rivers are at a stand still, forcing hydropower and fish populations to drop rapidly; and water use is extremely limited. As of February 7th, it was reported that a "Drought Emergency" was going to be declared by the state authority. However, no word has been released since then as to whether they have completed such a declaration. In southern New Hampshire, the possibility for a water use limit is likely with penalties to those who abuse it.
Meteorologists believe that the drought will continue through the summer months. The latest analysis from the National Weather Service forecast office states that little relief will arrive in the area, despite El Nino. On a bright note, March 2002 was the first month to produce average rainfall. Certainly, this is good news for the short-term period, but time will tell whether the precipitation will continue in average amounts. Certainly, all will welcome any rain that accumulates in the future.