Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties are now under a stage 2 drought advisory, Gov. Ned Lamont announced.
Lamont declared the advisory for the three Connecticut counties on Wednesday.
Lamont attributed the advisory to significantly low streamflow in water bodies across the region, a lack of rain, and increased wildfire danger across the state.
“The purpose of increasing these counties to stage 2 is to raise awareness that if drier conditions persist, there is a possibility that this emerging drought event will intensify,” Lamont said. “While rain is in the forecast over the coming days, it is not predicted to be the long soaking rain we need to overcome current drought conditions.”
An emerging drought event could potentially impact water supplies, farms, and natural ecosystems. It is the second of five levels under the Connecticut Drought Preparedness and Response Plan.
“We are experiencing drier than normal conditions entering the summer season, which may increase in severity as we enter the warmer months,” said Interagency Drought Workgroup Chairman and Office of Policy and Management Undersecretary Martin Heft. “Across Connecticut, we have been witnessing the spread of increased drought conditions, and we must begin early steps now to mitigate potential harm, should the drought be prolonged.”
Channel 3’s meteorologists say there are a few chances for rain over the next few days, but nothing significant.
The chances include passing storms Thursday, Friday, and Sunday night.