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Drought conditons set in across New Hampshire

After an abnormally warm winter with record low snowfall, Spring has taken a turn toward the dry side. Rather than mud season and flood concerns, residents are noting dry, dusty lawns and fire danger postings throughout the state. As of April 3, 2012 100 % of the state was declared Abnormally Dry by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Unsettled weather during the second week of April brought little relief with more warm, dry weather ahead (NWS). By mid-April, 80% of the state fell into the Moderate Drought (D1) category with short-term drought imapcts on soil moisture, unregulated streamflow and wildfire falling into the Extreme Drought (D3) category. Long-lead forecasts (one to three month outlooks by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center) indicate above average temperatures will persist into the summer months with persistant dry soil conditions at least through May (Climate Prediction Center).

New Hampshire Drough Conditions as Percent Area for April 10, 2012. (Image source: U.S. Drought Monitor). More on U.S. Drought Monitor Categories at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/classify.htm.

Report drought impacts to the National Drought Mitigation Center at NDMC Drought Impact Reporter.

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New Hampshire Weather and Climate Summaries (PDF)