It looks like 2025 is off to a healthy start in the precipitation department: NYC’s drought watch has come to an end after a dry autumn with substantial wildfires across the city and state.
The city’s first drought watch in over two decades began on November 2nd, 2024 and quickly escalated to a drought warning a little over two weeks later on November 18th. This resulted in a burn ban in public parks, pausing the Delaware Aqueduct repair project, banning New Year’s Eve fireworks, and conservation efforts for all residents.
By December 16th, the warning was downgraded. Now, thanks to heavy rain on New Year’s Eve and said conservation efforts, we’re recovering from a difficult autumn.
“Thanks to everyday New Yorkers stepping up to conserve water, and above-average precipitation over the last two months, we are now able to safely lift the drought warning for our city,” Mayor Eric Adams said on January 3rd. “By working together and heeding officials’ advice, we were able to avoid a much more serious drought emergency. The work of New Yorkers in conserving water these past two months has paid off, and now we can end this historic drought.”
While this unprecedented time might be behind us, officials are still keeping a watchful eye on New York’s water levels.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with New York City officials and localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions needed to help prevent additional shortages,” New York state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.
For more information on the end to the 2024 drought watch, visit nyc.gov. Stay up-to-date on the city’s latest weather predictions and concerns, have a look at the NYC Emergency Management Weather updates.