How about a positive spin on the rainy weather in this weekend’s forecast? All that water will further dampen the chances of a severe drought making a return appearance this summer.
The precipitation expected over the next few days will likely buttress this week’s encouraging report from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Large swaths of the state, including Plymouth, have been downgraded to Level 1 drought, which means it’s mild, and just one step away from normal conditions. The downgrade is due to two months of above average precipitation.
But that doesn’t mean we’re entirely in the clear.
“The spring showers and several months of consistent rain and snowfall have provided much-needed relief,” EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a press release. “But it’s important to recognize it takes months to recover from a prolonged drought. We all need to continue to be mindful of our indoor water use. As we enter the growing season, everyone must continue to follow state guidance and local water restrictions, including limiting outdoor watering and being vigilant of leaks.”
But Level 1 status means some conservation measures – including possible water use restrictions – remain in place, according to the state.
“In most regions of the state, monthly precipitation has generally ranged from around 4 to 6 inches,” the Energy and Environmental Affairs Dept. said. “Over the past three months, precipitation has been near-normal across Central and Northeastern regions, while the Cape and Islands regions have experienced 40 percent below average precipitation for the past six months.”
For people interested in diving into what many consider a dry subject, the state’s entire drought management plan is available here.
And if you’ve got weekend plans, Sunday looks like the most inclement of the next three days. The National Weather Service is calling for a 70 percent chance of rain, with temperatures in 40s and winds gusting to as high as 30 miles per hour. Maybe a good book from the library should be in your forecast.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.