• Dry summer has made drought conditions worse across the Island

LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Drought conditions in New York keep getting worse, and now all of Long Island has been classified as being in a severe drought, according to new data released Thursday, September 1.

Last week, the entire South Shore was classified as being in a severe drought. But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which tracks drought conditions across the country, has upgraded the entire Island to severe drought status. Over the past month, data from the NOAA shows that New York has gone from 47.5 percent of the state being abnormally dry to 76.1 percent. More than 6 percent of the state is now in a severe drought — Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley. The NOAA says that 14.5 million people in the state are now affected by drought conditions.

According to the NOAA, July 2022 was the 16th direst July on record for Nassau County, and the 6th driest for Suffolk. The records go back 128 years. Below-average rainfall has led to less groundwater available. Groundwater levels have been declining for the past few months, and the shortage of rain means they are not likely to improve in the immediate future. Find out what’s happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. The NOAA predicts that drought conditions may worse for Long Island in the next month. Droughts can cause many different problems for the area. Drier ground means that wildfires can be more likely and can spread more easily. It can also affect the crops of farmers in Suffolk County, and can negatively impact air quality. The Suffolk County Water Authority has been pleading with residents on the East End to use less water. On Aug. 1, the water authority declared a Stage 1 water emergency alert due to the prolonged hot and dry weather in the towns of Southampton, Southold, East Hampton, and Shelter Island.

During the water emergency, residents there must restrict their water usage. That includes reducing shower times and when lawns are watered, and stopping non-essential water usage. But residents on the East End of the Island have largely ignored the restrictions. Ignoring water restrictions could lead to emergencies, like firefighters not having enough water to battle a blaze. And with drier conditions, fires are more likely.

The state is encouraging homeowners to take some steps to help conserve water:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets