Connecticut has been facing its driest two month period since 1905, with low rainfall leading to severe drought conditions in some areas of the state. These conditions have led to wildfires, including one of which took place in Redding at Centennial Watershed State Forest.
The fire, which had started due to a campfire, spread rapidly across 120 acres because of the exceptionally dry environment. Over 100,000 gallons of water, and coast guard members from both the US and Canada helped to put the fire out.
“The lack of rain over the past two months has caused exceptionally dry conditions across Connecticut, resulting in numerous wildfires and reduced groundwater levels and streamflows,”Governor Ned Lamont said.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has responded to the recent weather changes by enacting a statewide burn ban, prohibiting outdoor flames in state parks, forests and other wilderness areas.
The drought has most severely impacted Litchfield county and parts of both Fairfield and Hartford counties, while surrounding areas are also being classified with moderate droughts.
“We have experienced significantly drier than normal conditions this fall,” Martin Heft, chairman of the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup said.
Experts credit the recent drought conditions to a combination of factors, including changes in ocean temperatures, and the influence of the La Nina year we are currently in. La Nina years bring about a weaker eastern Pacific jet stream, and drier conditions to the southern US, while bringing milderer and wetter conditions to the North and Canada. “In terms of long year trends, temperatures, surface temperatures, and even some subsurface temperatures are going up,” NHS Chemistry teacher and the Environmental Club Advisor Stephanie Paulson..
As Connecticut, and other parts of the world, continue to experience the ongoing effects of a warming climate, people are reminded of the importance of keeping our environment clean and safe.
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