According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and despite having received a half inch or so of rain over the past week, Adams County remains in drought conditions.
The drought is affecting local farmers. “Everything from strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and peaches are all smaller than usual,” said Twin Springs Farm’s Aubrey King. “Per-acre harvest of any tree fruit is already going to be down, even if it starts to rain.”
“In the past, May was usually a wet month,” said King, “but this year we didn’t get a drop of rain. We are now in a period where, barring a hurricane, the most we usually get is a thunderstorm or two, and some chances of showers, like we had last week.”
“The upside is that the flavor is off the charts fantastic for everything so far,” he said.
NOAA reported that 100 percent of Pennsylvania was also in a drought condition, and in some areas, particularly the northeast, the drought is severe.
Most areas in the county, including Gettysburg Borough, have instituted burn bans given the dry conditions.
NOAA reports that Adams County has received less than an inch of rain since May 1, a period during which we normally receive almost 4.5 inches.
Some rain is in the forecast for this week.
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Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
