Drought

The South Florida Water Management District prohibited outdoor watering in Cape Coral as the level of the Mid-Hawthorn aquifer was dangerously low. Gulf Coast Now (Fort Myers, Fla.), May 2, 2025

The statewide burn ban for Nebraska was extended for the western three-fourths of the state and remained in effect through May 10. Nebraska Public Media (Lincoln), April 29, 2025 Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen enacted a statewide burn ban as dry conditions gripped the state, and the Plum Creek Fire claimed more than 24,000 acres in northern Nebraska. News Channel Nebraska (Grand Island, Neb.), April 23, 2025

The Comal River was flowing at less than 80 cubic feet per second. An ideal range for recreation is between 100 and 500 cfs. With the flow being so low, people can still tube down the Comal River, but the flow is lazier, so the journey takes longer. Spectrum News 1 - Austin (Texas), May 1, 2025

Water use in Palm Coast rose to alarming levels, which could compromise firefighting activities during an emergency. Over the weekend, water consumption reached 12.1 million gallons daily, which is extremely high, according to the acting city manager. City employees have called some homes with exceptionally high water use and requested that they decrease their lawn watering. FlaglerLive.com (Fla.), April 23, 2025

Starting May 1, all non-essential outdoor watering in Chatham was limited to two days a week. The region was recognized by the state Energy and Environmental Affairs Office in April as being in a Level 2 “significant” drought. The Cape Cod Chronicle (Mass.), May 1, 2025

St. Johns River Water Management District authorities were urging residents across east-central Florida, including Volusia and Flagler counties, not to water excessively. The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Fla.), May 1, 2025

Several counties in Southeast Texas faced dry weather while some locations received light to moderate rain that improved soil moisture and boosted crop growth. Despite improvements, many producers still needed additional moisture to sustain progress. Ponds were low and pastures were in fair shape. Corn, sorghum and rice fields were planted, and emerged fields progressed well. Livestock, pasture and grazing conditions improved. Some pastures struggled with excessive rainfall and humidity, which delayed hay cutting. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to excellent. Soil moisture levels were short to surplus. Livestock body conditions were fair to excellent. Wheat was in fair condition and headed out. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025

The time needed to water plants adequately has tripled at a Clermont farm. Workers irrigate early in the morning to limit evaporation. They have also found that they need to water three times a day due to the dryness, low humidity and wind. Visitors to the farm, however, were appreciating the absence of rain so they could enjoy outdoor activities. WKMG TV 6 (Orlando, Fla.), May 1, 2025

Level 5 water restrictions began in Danvers on May 1 due to the low flow of the Ipswich River and the low level of the reservoir. The Level 5 water restrictions limit outdoor water use to lawns and gardens using hand-held hoses and watering cans only from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Danvers, MA Patch, May 1, 2025

Texas’ dust season, which typically runs from March through May, has been unusually dusty, with ten full-fledged dust storms—during which visibility drops to just half of a mile—compared to the average of 1.8. Newsweek (New York), May 1, 2025

Some areas of the South Plains received trace amounts of rain up to 3 inches while other areas had no rain at all and remained desperate for rainfall. The cooler weather and humidity helped wheat fields. Some farmers received enough moisture to start planting corn and sorghum. In areas that received rain, the warm-season grasses were improving dramatically. Cattle were in good condition, but some were still on supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 The South Plains experienced windy and dry conditions. A few farmers planted corn and sorghum. Others prepared beds for upcoming planting. Farmers across the district sprayed and fertilized for planting season. Livestock remained on supplemental feeding, but warm-season grasses began to emerge. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025

Conditions in South Texas were hot and dry for most of the week with some midweek rain showers that brought a couple of inches of rain to parts of the district. Some areas continued to suffer from extended drought, and irrigation through local water canals was closed due to a lack of available water. Stock tank levels remained a concern for some producers, and soil moisture was short. Crops and rangeland began to show drought stress due to the lack of significant rainfall. Corn grew steadily, cotton was being planted, and fieldwork for peanuts began. Strawberry producers continued harvesting and moving produce. Row crops that survived the flooding rains at the beginning of the month recovered and progressed well. Follow-up rains will be needed to sustain crops through the hotter part of the growing season. Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, and fields were prepared for harvest. Onion harvest continued. Corn, grain sorghum and cotton crops progressed and showed very little insect pressure. Sunflowers were in full bloom. Sesame emerged with good stands. Hay producers baled their hay meadows, and recent moisture, well-timed herbicide and fertilizer applications contributed to good bale-per-acre yields. Some citrus orchards were removed. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition and benefited from moderate temperatures, though supplemental feeding remained necessary. Pastures and rangelands continued to recover and improve with recent rainfall. Local livestock markets reported average volumes this week with steady and strong prices for all classes of beef cattle, and feed prices remained high at local feed stores. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 The week of April 7 was dry in South Texas. Conditions remained cool with hot afternoons, as temperatures and wind gusts increased. No rain was in the extended forecast. Drought conditions persisted. Local agricultural irrigation canals remained closed due to the low water levels in Lake Amistad. Topsoil and subsoil conditions decreased due to the hot weather. Most fields dried up from the previous rain event and farmers returned for fieldwork. Crops were damaged due to standing water left in several fields from flooding in early April. Many fields had no crops, and soil erosion increased. However, the extent of the damage was still being evaluated. Crops that did not experience prolonged standing water responded well to the moisture. Pastures and citrus also benefited greatly from the rain. Row crop farmers pressed forward with planting and hoped to finish by the middle of next week, though some were still waiting to plant cotton. Producers stayed busy spraying for weeds and fertilizing crop and pastures. Growers also made fungicide, and foliar nutrient applications. Others cultivated and side-dressed fertilizer. Mesquite and weed activity increased. Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, and fields were being prepared for harvest in the coming weeks. Field activity increased as farmers began preparing for peanut planting. Hay producers cultivated fields and planted hay grazer. Vegetable farmers harvested carrots, cabbage, onions and leafy greens. Sunflower fields showed much improvement, and some fields began flowering. Some grain sorghum fields showed signs of iron chlorosis. Corn and sorghum fields continued to progress. Sesame was being planted and expected to continue for another two weeks. Rains from the previous week helped green up grass, but more rain was needed for long-term improvement in rangeland and pasture conditions. Brushy plants were fully leafed out and in various stages of bloom, and prickly pear was in full bloom. Rangeland conditions improved, but heavily stocked pastures still required supplemental feeding, and pest pressure was an issue. Supplemental feeding for cattle was expected to decrease as grass production increased. Local sale barns reported smaller numbers of sales but good prices across all classes of cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 Temperatures rose above 90 degrees each afternoon in South Texas, depleting topsoil and subsoil moisture. Rain was badly needed. Windy, dry and hot conditions with low humidity created fire risks, and small fires were reported in Frio County. Dry, windy conditions hindered planting, fieldwork and pesticide spraying. Row crop farmers planted to meet deadlines. Germinated corn and grain sorghum showed moisture stress. Citrus trees finished blooming and set fruit. The onion crop neared harvest, and cantaloupe planting was in full swing. Dryland wheat was in poor condition. Vegetable farmers harvested leafy greens, cabbage, onions and carrots with good yields reported. Watermelons were transplanted and off to a good start, but moisture was needed for the young crops. Rangeland and pasture forages were poor as the early green-up last month declined. Brush bloomed, and mesquite leafed out. Pastures were dry with little grass for grazing, leading to continued hay supplementation. Prickly pear turned yellow and struggled, making it unusable for cattle. Supplemental feeding of beef cattle and wildlife continued, with producers culling herds in preparation for extended drought. Auction barns reported plenty of lightweight calves selling early, though cattle prices remained high. Beef cattle producers weaned calves at lower weights, and some moved cattle to other pastures due to water shortages. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 South Texas soil moisture conditions varied, with some areas retaining topsoil moisture while others remained dry. Strawberries flowered and grew fruit, and growers using row covers started harvesting. Bermuda grass was sprigged. Farmers were slow to plant due to cold and dry conditions. Local irrigation water canals remained closed for agricultural irrigation, with no production crops to report. Leafy greens were still being harvested. Row crop farmers resumed planting after the last freeze threat passed. Sorghum and corn stands looked good but needed additional moisture soon. Citrus and vegetable harvests continued. Cotton producers hoped for improved soil moisture to begin planting. Livestock and wildlife remained in good condition, but some producers provided water to ponds for them. As temperatures rose, rangeland areas greened due to blooming trees and shrubs, while grass and forb species remained unchanged. Ranchers continued to provide hay and supplemental feed. Some ranchers reduced herd sizes due to drought. Local markets reported average volumes this week, with stronger prices for all classes of beef cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025

West Central Texas received 1-4 inches of rain, but most areas still needed more. Water levels rose in most lakes and stock tanks. The rains helped topsoil moisture, but subsoil moisture levels remained short. The rain greened up pastures, but grazing remained limited, and several timely rains were needed for rangeland recovery and forage growth. The soil moisture should benefit cotton and sorghum crops the most. Field preparation for spring forage planting continued with some fields already planted and some fertilizer applications complete. Some producers planted Sudan grass before the rain, and it was up and growing. Wheat and oat fields neared graze-out. The rains will not help wheat fields that were going to grain. Sorghum fields were off to a strong start with timely rains but needed more moisture soon to maintain progress. Row crop producers sprayed weeds and prepared the ground for upcoming cotton planting. Some wheat fields were baled for cattle. Producers rushed to plant hay grazer. Pecan trees were slow to grow and leaf out. Pastures appeared very green following recent rains. Calls continued regarding drought-stressed trees, and concerns were expected to persist. Producers continued spring cattle work. Cattle looked fleshy and in good condition. Some producers applied fertilizer to Coastal Bermuda grass before recent rains. Producers continued supplemental feeding and sold cattle lighter than usual. Mineral deficiencies were noted in some livestock. Many calves were weaned early to help cows recover and conserve grass. The cattle market remained strong with all classes selling at steady to higher prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 Cold weather and some frost occurred, accompanied by high winds. Recent rains improved conditions in some areas of West Central Texas, but overall drought conditions continued. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm, with highs in the upper 80s. Windy days dried out the moisture from prior rains. Moisture losses were above normal for this time of year. Field preparation increased for spring forage planting. Producers continued fertilizing hay fields and implementing weed control. Wheat and oat pastures remained extremely short and were expected to be grazed out soon. Irrigated winter wheat showed signs of improvement after recent moisture, and some freeze damage was reported in a few fields. Row crop producers continued weed management. Grain and forage sorghum planting was underway. Field preparation for cotton continued, but rain was needed before May plantings get underway. Some producers planted hay grazer with rain in the forecast. Pasture and rangeland conditions remained mostly unchanged due to the lack of follow-up rain. Pecan trees slowly broke winter dormancy. Small grasshoppers were noted in some pastures. Frost damaged some trees in low-lying areas. Cattle generally looked fair to good. Cows were calving, and supplemental feeding continued. Stock tanks needed more runoff. Hay feeding increased. The cattle market was active with strong demand. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 All areas of West Central Texas needed rain. Some areas received decent rainfall toward the end of the week. Temperatures cooled but were still unseasonably warm and beyond 80 degrees most days. High winds and heat were reducing soil moisture levels. Soil samples in a few areas showed subsoil moisture was very short. Pastures were dry and offering little grazing. Producers were controlling weeds in warm-season pastures. Rangelands and pastures needed rainfall to produce. Cattle were in fair to good shape, and cows were calving. Most herds were receiving supplemental feed. Producers continued to make deeper culls and were selling lighter calves. Dust pneumonia was reported in some cattle. Some fields were being prepared for forage plantings. Some producers hoped to plant haygrazer if fields received rainfall. Some small grain fields were overgrazed and mostly droughted out. Most trees were blooming, and mesquite and oaks were leafing out. Pecan trees have broken bud. Irrigated wheat started to enter the boot stage for those planning to harvest, but most fields were being grazed out. Fieldwork continued in preparation of spring crops, especially cotton. Producers applied fertilizer, and some began planting irrigated sorghum, with a few of those fields emerging. Most corn was planted, and many fields had emerged, but acres were expected to be down this season. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 West Central Texas needed rain, with very high winds reported late in the week. Some areas received trace amounts up to 1 inch of rainfall. High winds were expected, and no rain appeared in the 10-day forecast. Warm and dry conditions continued throughout the week, with extreme fire danger. Recent winds, lack of rainfall and above-normal temperatures set back rangeland and pastures. Sustained high winds with damaging gusts affected the area, with conditions remaining dry with low humidity. Wheat was in extreme need of rain. Wind gusts over 65 mph for over eight hours late in the week caused some damage to farm structures. Soil temperatures rose. Some late cool-season forbs and grass emerged. Producers began planting sorghum fields, though many were waiting for rain as the soil profile had little moisture. In areas that received measurable rainfall, wheat improved somewhat, though some fields sustained damage from blowing sand and erosion during the late-week windstorm. Field preparation continued for spring planting, but rain was needed before any dryland planting will start. Irrigated corn and sorghum planting had started. Some field preparation for spring forage planting occurred, but grazing was short in almost all fields. Pastures were dry and offered little to no grazing, with limited water in running streams. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued as stock tank levels declined. Livestock were in fair condition heading into spring. Some stockers were pulled off wheat and sold, with stock pond water levels ranging from fair to low. Cattle markets remained strong, with good demand. Prices for stocker steers were steady to $5 higher per hundredweight, and stocker heifer prices were steady to $3 higher. Pairs and bred cows sold steady. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 Weather conditions in West Central Texas were near normal, with temperatures climbing and a slight chance of rain in the forecast for the following week. The area remained dry and warm throughout the week, with cooler temperatures arriving at the end. Drought conditions worsened, and soil moisture levels remained very low. There was zero moisture, and temperatures rose into the 70s after being in the teens the previous week. Supplemental feeding continued due to very dry conditions. Some areas saw daytime temperatures close to 90 degrees, while nighttime temperatures stayed in the 40s. Topsoil moisture continued to decline, and subsoil moisture ranged from decent to dry. Forage growth for cool-season crops slowed drastically due to dry weather, and field preparation for spring forage planting occurred. The last cold snap severely impacted small grain crops, with oats turning completely brown. Some producers pulled cattle off wheat due to a lack of grazing. Rain was needed before sorghum and cotton planting. Pastures had little to no grazing, and livestock diets were supplemented. Stock tank water levels were dropping. Sale volumes at local sale barns were lower, and prices were steady to higher. Some ranchers culled older cattle and held onto heifers. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025

Agricultural conditions improved in Far West Texas, but challenges remained. Conditions were warm, with humidity and temperature highs in the mid-80s. Some counties received much-needed rainfall, estimated at around 2 inches, which enhanced soil moisture and supported forage growth. Hail and wind damage were reported and remained a concern. Other areas continued to struggle with drought. Some producers took advantage of the moisture and planted hay grazer. Cotton planting was underway. Farmers with limited water access relied on irrigation wells and reducing acreage. Corn and melons progressed well, and pecan orchards and alfalfa fields were irrigated as needed. Livestock remained in fair condition and benefited from greening pastures in some areas, but many producers continued to provide feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 Unseasonably warm temperatures were reported in Far West Texas, with temperatures in the upper-90s. Fortunately, winds were not as intense as in recent weeks. No precipitation was reported, causing moisture losses above normal for this time of year. Melon planting was in full swing. Corn planting was completed, but not all fields emerged due to lack of moisture. Sorghum planting began. Wheat in areas that received heavier rains improved noticeably and may make it to harvest. Fieldwork increased, and growers prepared for cotton planting. Irrigating from wells was difficult in some areas, and cottonseed germination was expected to be difficult. Some producers considered not planting until rainfall improved moisture levels. Area livestock had very little to graze on, and their diets were supplemented. Producers started to shear and mark late lambs. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 Wind intensity and temperatures in Far West Texas continued to be above average for this time of year. Warmer temperatures reached the mid- to upper-80s. Producers continued to clean up after heavy winds. The district had a chance of rain this week, and while the upper elevations in the Big Bend Region benefited, it missed the lower elevations. Corn planting began and should be complete soon. Many producers were waiting on irrigation water to wet the surface enough to allow corn to germinate and emerge. Only a small percentage of planted fields have emerged to this point. Sorghum planting will begin soon if moisture allows, and melon planting should begin next week. Fieldwork halted in many areas as the ground was too powdery to plow without making it blow more. Without significant rain, irrigated cotton acres could be reduced again this season. Pastures were bare except for filaree in low-lying areas. Producers were facing significant challenges due to limited grazing and high feed costs. Cattle conditions were holding due to supplemental feed. Some cattle were grazing irrigated fields. Marketing of sheep was complete, and producers will begin to market goats and late lambs in the upcoming weeks. Preirrigation was occurring for Pima and upland cotton. Alfalfa and pecans were watered. The El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 was not expected to release water until the end of May, making it difficult to irrigate unless producers have wells. Producers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley may use effluent water from the city of El Paso. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 Multiple days of extremely high winds in the 45-65 mph range stopped all field activities in Far West Texas and further dried out the soil. Both day and night temperatures were above normal for this time of year, with highs reaching the mid-90s several times and nighttime lows in the mid-40s. Rain was needed to improve soil moisture and rangeland conditions. The weather created extreme fire hazards. Corn planting was on hold until producers could get the soil wet enough for good seed emergence, and temperatures near freezing were expected in the middle of the week. Many producers continued prewatering with plans to irrigate cotton this summer. Wheat was mostly dead, except for a few irrigated fields that might be harvested or terminated to plant watermelons. Pastures were brown. Livestock were in poor condition and required supplemental feeding. Sales of livestock continued due to poor conditions. Marking and processing of lambs began and will continue for the next 45 days. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 No rain fell in Far West Texas and winds exceeded 50 mph over the weekend, blowing topsoil and drying soil moisture. All remaining wheat was irrigated but struggled as irrigation could not keep up with demand. Wheat was set to enter the jointing stage over the next couple of weeks, increasing water needs. Fieldwork slowed as topsoil turned to powder. Minimal fieldwork focused on preparing for limited corn planting. Irrigation began on a few fields in preparation for summer cotton. Pastures remained short on weeds, with no green grass despite warming temperatures. Pecan trees had not yet leafed out. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Cow-calf producers continued supplemental feeding as pasture conditions deteriorated. Lambing and kidding were in full swing. Land preparation continued in the Rio Grande Valley, with some farms listing rows and preparing for preirrigation. A small number of alfalfa acres were being prepared for planting. The water situation remained poor, forcing many farmers to rely on preventive plant insurance. Minimal cotton acreage was expected to be planted this year, as most available water was allocated to pecan orchards and established alfalfa. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025

The Panhandle received some widespread rain. Soil moisture was very short to adequate. Some areas received light rain while other areas experienced flooding and tornadoes. The moisture was beneficial for wheat growth and development and was much needed for rangeland and pastures. Corn planting continued on days and locations suitable for fieldwork. Six-inch soil temperatures continued to warm, approaching those acceptable for planting cotton. Recent rain showers were very timely for irrigated and dryland warm-season crops being planted, maturing wheat and other small-grain crops. Improved and native grass pastures showed a flush of new vegetative growth. Cattle grazing wheat were doing excellent. Supplementation of cattle on rangeland had ceased as green-up continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good while crops were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 Conditions in the Texas Panhandle remained extremely dry. Overall, soil moisture levels ranged from very short to adequate. Daily high winds had depleted all available moisture, and rain was desperately needed. Corn planting season should begin within the next couple of weeks, and prewatering was underway as field conditions remained extremely dry. Wheat was developing rapidly due to warmer soil temperatures, but moisture was needed to complete the crop and build soil moisture for cotton and corn plantings to follow. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair, and overall, crop conditions were poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 The Panhandle experienced a wind event with gusts approaching 80 mph late in the week. Such conditions pulled additional moisture from the soil profile and led to greater erosion. With extreme winds and very low humidity, the area experienced several wildfires. Temperatures were favorable for steady growth of small grains and other cool-season crops. A considerable number of operators shipped livestock, especially stocker calves from winter pasture to market. Overall, soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 Conditions improved for small grains and other cool-season crops in the Texas Panhandle, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-60s to mid-70s and overnight lows in the upper 20s and low 30s. Topsoil moisture reserves gradually declined in dryland production areas. Field preparation for warm-season crops increased. Irrigation began on wheat and summer cropland. Overall, soil moisture ranged from short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions ranged from very poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025

Widespread rainfall delivered up to 12 inches in some areas of the Rolling Plains and significantly improved surface moisture, benefiting rangeland and pasture conditions. While the rain came too late to help wheat crops, many of which showed signs of disease and poor yield potential, it greatly boosted spring grass growth, filled stock tanks and improved livestock body conditions. Corn and sorghum fields were off to a good start but faced weed pressure and yellowing in waterlogged, low-lying areas. Although subsoil moisture remained limited in some places, producers had the moisture needed for upcoming hay and cotton planting. Scattered rainfall patterns meant not all areas benefited equally, and flooding was an issue in places that received excessive rainfall. More rain was forecast, which could worsen waterlogging and delay plantings. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 Recent rains brought much-needed moisture to the district, offering a timely boost to crops and forages. While rains improved topsoil moisture, subsoil levels remained below optimal for sustained crop growth. Farmers were cautiously optimistic and recognized more rain was needed. Reports indicated most winter wheat was headed out. However, producers noted that plant heights were noticeably shorter than average, and no rust was reported. Improved moisture levels benefited grazing pastures. Cattle grazed on greener, more abundant forage. There were reports of an increase in weeds, and many producers planned to apply herbicide soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 Dry conditions continued to impact agriculture across the Rolling Plains. Wheat was starting to show drought stress, and many producers with wheat pastures providing stocker cattle grazing have shipped calves earlier than would be ideal. Drying vegetation represented fuel for potential wildfires, and days of sustained high winds increased that threat. Rain chances were in the forecast. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 Repeated red-flag warning days of high winds across the Rolling Plains took their toll on soil moisture. Any gains from recent rains and wintery mixes were mostly eliminated. The high winds and blowing dust could lead to health concerns for livestock, but the extent remained unknown. Dry conditions and sustained high winds in the forecast increased concerns for wildfires across the Rolling Plains. A widespread, long-lasting precipitation event was needed to improve conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 Ongoing dry conditions and above-average temperatures in the Rolling Plains stressed the wheat crop. Farmers reported widespread reduced soil moisture levels, raising concerns about potential yield impacts. With little rain in the forecast for the upcoming week, wildfire threats increased. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025

New York State Forest Rangers and local fire departments responded to eight wildfires in five counties across New York State which burned more than 21 acres. New York Almanack (Utica, N.Y.), April 30, 2025

Some of Austin’s swimming holes have flowing water, while others need steady rainfall to increase the volume of water. Barton Creek Greenbelt, for instance, has not had substantial stream flow since 2020. Community Impact (Austin, Texas), April 30, 2025

All open burning and fireworks have been suspended in Keene due to persistent drought, forecasted winds and fire danger at critical levels. Some nearby communities like Hinsdale, Richmond, Roxbury, Stoddard and Winchester have also adopted similar burn bans as drought conditions have lingered since last fall, leaving the ground and vegetation exceedingly dry. A major brush fire that broke out in Winchester on Tuesday, April 29, quickly blew into a four-alarm emergency and was fought by almost 100 firefighters from more than 25 regional agencies. The blaze has charred more than 40 acres. My Keene Now (N.H.), April 30, 2025

Authorities in Franklin County have asked the public to conserve as much water as possible because the water supply was low. A notice was posted on Facebook on Tuesday, April 29, requesting that water customers conserve water until June 1 by forgoing lawn watering, pool filling, vehicle washing and other unnecessary uses. Franklin County’s wells were not keeping up with demand. WLHR 92.1 (Lavonia, Ga.), April 30, 2025 Due to Franklin County’s water supply issues, the county manager put forth the suggestion of a moratorium on selling water to new customers. Two of the county’s four wells were out of service, and the City of Toccoa has cut the amount of water that it was willing to sell the county. 92.1 WLHR (Lavonia, Ga.), May 1, 2025