Drought warning advisories now cover 94 counties and 33 cities, including much of Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, and the Fredericksburg region.
State officials say low stream flows, declining groundwater levels, and very dry soil conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires and creating significant problems for agriculture, including delayed crop planting and poor pasture conditions.
Reservoir levels remain mostly normal statewide, although Smith Mountain Lake has dropped into warning status. Virginians are being urged to conserve water as above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall are expected to continue into the coming weeks.
photo from Virginia DEQ
