A Dubious Record

Today, October 18th, marks the 34th day since measurable rain has been recorded at Reagan National Airport. While we have had a few trace reports, we have failed to measure at least .01" for over a month. If we do not see any rain today, this will break the record which was set between August 6th and September 8th 1995.

Across the region, communities have been enacting water restrictions with parts of Loudoun County and Frederick, Maryland the latest to join in the limits on water use.

According to the US Drought Monitor, much of Maryland and Virginia (along with DC) are experiencing Severe Drought Conditions.

Drought which has destroyed many crops and homeowners yards and gardens. Drought which has been exacerbated by unseasonably warm temperatures and a depressing lack of rainfall.

The fall and winter are the time of the year that we recharge our water sources. The trees and plants aren't using nearly the levels of water they do when they are full of leaves and are producing flowers and fruit. So, the next 6 months are critically important for all of us. if we do not get the reservoirs and the aquifers filled up by Springtime, we could be in a much worse drought in 2008.

I don't know about you, but we've had more than our fair share of "nice" days and I'd welcome some "nice" rainy days for a change.