Health & Fitness
We Need the Rain!
A Flood Watch is in effect, despite the fact that we are in the midst of a severe drought.
If you haven't heard, we're in the midst of a severe "short-term" drought. This is known as a short-term drought because we have not seen a very prolonged period of dry weather; rather, the last six to 10 months or so have been quite dry, and the deficit has added up. Water tables, river levels, and wells are running low. It is a severe situation, but not a devastating situation yet.
The National Weather Service maintains detailed climate data at specific observing sites throughout the country. Here are some stats through April 22:
Precipitation in Concord
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- 6.19 inches since January 1
- 11.09 inches is the normal value
- -4.90 inches below normal!
Precipitation in Boston
- 5.17 inches since January 1
- 13.77 inches is the normal value
- -8.06 inches below normal!
The one-to-three inches of rain that will fall through Tuesday morning will be welcomed. It is ironic that a Flood Watch is in effect in the midst of this drought; however, the watch is not in effect for rivers and streams. Urban and poor drainage areas that cannot hold a significant amount of rain in a short period of time are of concern.
