Drought in Western Columbia, New York

Abnormally dry conditions across portions of eastern New York resulted in the development of severe drought conditions (Severe - D2) across portions of the mid-Hudson Valley starting on November 12, 2024 and continuing into December. On November 18, 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation upgraded region II to a drought warning which included the counties of Greene, Ulster, Schoharie and Dutchess, urging residents to reduce unnecessary water waste, while the rest of eastern New York was placed in a drought watch.