Drought — Western Kent, Rhode Island

2016-10-01 to 2016-10-31 · Western Kent, Rhode Island

Event narrative

The U.S. Drought Monitor placed the southern half of western Kent County in a Severe Drought (D2) designation through the month of October. The northern half of the area was under a Moderate Drought (D1) designation through October.

Wider weather episode

A Drought Advisory continued for the whole state of Rhode Island during the month of October. The advisory encouraged voluntary water conservation and adherence to any local water restrictions.

October brought above normal rainfall to Rhode Island, but continued longer-term drought conditions. For many, the drought began in July 2016. This was a drought categorized largely by well below normal precipitation and groundwater and agricultural impacts.

Soil moisture (measured by the Climate Prediction Center) was abnormally dry or drier. River and streamflow conditions were below to well below normal with 16 gage sites in southern New England at record low levels.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 663906. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.