Herkimer and Oneida Counties among those removed from New York State drought status

New York’s drought conditions have been updated, with several counties changing their status from a “watch” to “normal” conditions.

The announcement comes from the office of the New York State DEC. Herkimer and Oneida Counties are included on this list.

Much of the state has experienced a dry spell that has lingered on since summer, according to DEC data and drought maps.

Drought conditions still remain for counties in the very southeastern part of the state. A Drought Watch can be triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state.

Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region.

Image courtesy via the New York State DEC.