The Brooke County Review
WELLSBURG, W.Va. — Despite some storms in the week and moderating temperatures, Brooke County and all of West Virginia remain under drought conditions.
According to the latest Drought Monitor map, Brooke County falls partially in the severe drought classification, the third highest level on the map. The monitor reports that last week 41.44 percent of the state was in the extreme or exceptional drought areas. In the current week that figure had risen to 49.26 percent of the state. In the 12 months that started Sept. 16, 2023, rainfall total 68.39 inches, compared to 74.77 inches in the preceding year.
While rainfall has been sparse, temperature have declined slightly form readings approaching 100 degrees to readings in the lower 90’s. Forecasts are for significantly lower temperatures today but returning to the mid to upper 80’s next week. There is no significant chance of rain for the next 10 days. Exceptional drought condition are affecting with parts of Mason, Putnam, Jackson, Roane and Wood counties.
Gov. Jim Justice has extended the statewide State of Emergency for an additional 30 days due to a shortage of rainfall that has caused the drought conditions. The U. S. Drought Monitor indicates extreme, severe and moderate drought conditions have continued to impact the entire state. Gov. Justice also reminds agencies to utilize the Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to those helping secure and distribute irrigation and livestock water supplies in counties experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.
