Drought

Mandatory water use restrictions were in effect for people in Walhalla where excessive water use was causing problems with water pressure. WYFF-TV NBC 4 (Greenville, S.C.), July 5, 2024

Sunflowers were in bloom at Dorothea Dix Park, but the plants were about three feet tall because rainfall has been below normal. The Raleigh News & Observer Online (N.C.), July 5, 2024

Much of North Carolina’s corn appeared to be a total loss, according to agronomists. The overall condition of the crop was “very, very poor,” as described by a regional agronomist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Although the first cutting of hay was great, there has been little rainfall since then, so a second cutting was not looking promising. In addition, pasture conditions were very poor statewide. Some growers were already feeding freshly cut hay to their livestock, which could lead to a hay shortage this coming winter. Soybeans, tobacco, peanuts, and cotton were all suffering in the hot, dry weather, but could still benefit from rain. SF|Successful Farming (Des Moines, Iowa), June 28, 2024

Water from the Washington Aqueduct was cloudier than usual due to algae blooms in the Potomac River. Algae flourished in the river on account of runoff from farmland, heat and drought reducing the river flow. Despite the boil water advisory, the water was always safe to drink. NBC4 Washington (D.C.), July 4, 2024

Crop damage in the eastern Carolinas was irreversible for some crops. The director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency stated that the corn crop may not be much. Some soybeans have died, and sweet potatoes were struggling. The tobacco was affected by the dry conditions, but it was not yet clear how the quality would be affected. SFN Today (Raleigh, N.C.), July 3, 2024

The Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority implemented mandatory outdoor water restrictions for all customers. Drought conditions, heat and excessive outdoor watering have strained water supplies. Lawn watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system was prohibited. FauquierNow (Warrenton, Va.), July 3, 2024

The City of Saluda issued a Stage 1 water shortage advisory on July 3, current conditions could lead to a shortage. The public was encouraged to voluntarily curb their water use and increase water use efficiency. WLOS (Asheville, N.C.), July 3, 2024

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about using fireworks during the drought, with projectile-type fireworks to be avoided. Some of the illegal fireworks included firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, and fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles. Open burning was also prohibited. The News Leader (Staunton, Va.), July 3, 2024

Stage 2 of Lamesa’s Drought Contingency Plan took effect. Water use restrictions were intended to reduce demand and depend on one’s address. Some activities, such as refilling pools, wading pools and jacuzzies, may only be done on one’s designated watering day. KWES-TV NewsWest 9 (Odessa, Texas), July 3, 2024

The City of Statesville implemented a voluntary lawn and landscape irrigation schedule to help manage water use in accordance with the City Code and the Water Shortage Response Plan. Iredell Free News (Statesville, N.C.), July 3, 2024

Southeast Texas reported hotter temperatures and scattered showers. The weather also helped with forage and hay production for most areas with pastures being cut and grazed, and significant yields were being reported. Sorghum and corn were ready to be harvested. Watermelon harvest was delayed due to late planting. Rice looked good, and the break in the weather the past week helped plants start the flowering stage. Cotton looked good in most areas but needed rain to continue good crop growth. There were no insect pest issues. Range and pasture conditions varied from poor to excellent with soil moisture levels ranging from very short to adequate. Livestock looked good in most areas and cattle prices remained strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024

The Keechelus Lake boat launch and access road closed on July 8 due to drought and low water conditions. KNDO-TV (Kennewick, Wash.), July 2, 2024

Scarce rain since mid-May and increasing heat has damaged crops in Edgecombe County. The president of the Edgecombe County Farm Bureau stated that the corn will yield little to nothing and that no amount of rain can revive it. WITN-TV NBC 7 Greenville (N.C.), July 2, 2024

People in Fairfax County were encouraged by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to enjoy a public fireworks display rather than light their own to reduce the risk of inadvertently sparking a fire. Reston, VA Patch, July 2, 2024

Bedford County officials were urging the public to forego the personal fireworks and attend a professional fireworks display. WSLS-TV NBC Channel 10 (Roanoke, Va.), July 2, 2024

The Alabama Forestry Commission encourages the public to be extra cautious with fires and fireworks due to the dry conditions across the state. All outdoor fires should be monitored while they burn and properly extinguished. The Tallassee Tribune (Alexander City, Ala.), July 1, 2024

Parts of Lincoln County were in Stage 3 fire restrictions. Denver7 (Colo.), July 1, 2024

Elbert County adopted Stage 2 fire restrictions in late June. Denver7 (Colo.), July 1, 2024

Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect in Gilpin County on July 2 due to the heightened fire risk and forecasted heat in coming days. Denver7 (Colo.), July 1, 2024

Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect for unincorporated parts of western Boulder County on July 1 due to the heightened fire risk and forecasted heat in coming days.