Virginia Faces Widespread Drought as Heatwave Continues

Northern Virginia and the rest of the state are experiencing significant drought as temperatures soar. Virginia has been experiencing unusually high temperatures this summer, with recent days surpassing 100 degrees. Jeremy Geiger, chief Hydrologist at the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington Office, explained, "This summer, it started in mid to late June, and then going into July. We're getting into the peak time of year where it's the hottest, combined with a pattern funneling warmth and heat from the south up into our area." The mercury climbed to 96 degrees at the Quantico Marine Corps Base airfield at 4 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2024. The heat index (the feels-like temperature) was 110 degrees. Today, Tuesday, temperatures are expected to the triple digits, and excessive heat warnings will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Excessive heat & humidity continues into Tuesday with Excessive Heat Warnings & Heat Advisories issued over large portions of the area. These run from 11 AM until 8 PM. Depending on location, heat index values will range from 100 to 110 degrees. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/Rf2aP9kE7z

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 15, 2024

High temperatures, exacerbated by increased humidity, have resulted in severe weather conditions. Geiger noted that "101 can feel like 110," making the heat even more impactful. The phenomenon of the Bermuda High, a high-pressure system that circulates air from the south, has contributed to these conditions. "When it shifts west, that west side where the air is coming from the south gets funneled right up into our area," he said. According to Geiger, the region has seen 26 days with temperatures over 90 degrees, with two of those days surpassing 100 degrees at DCA. Although this is not unprecedented, it is concerning given the current drought conditions. "Out of the past 30 years, over 30% of the years have had at least one 100-degree day," Geiger added. Virginia's drought has worsened, and the entire state is now affected. Geiger explained that the region has been experiencing dry periods for several years. "We haven't had a really heavy rain event, multiple rain events, to really dig us out of the previous drought," he said. The Shenandoah Valley, in particular, has been heavily impacted by these conditions. The lack of rain has led to voluntary water restrictions in areas like Fauquier County and the town of Warrenton, which are currently in severe drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. Geiger mentioned that the Potomac Basin's water resources are closely monitored as water levels drop, potentially leading to further restrictions. Geiger emphasized the need for a significant rain event to alleviate the drought. "Most major droughts are broken by a tropical storm," he said. "We need the rain to happen over an extended period of time, versus a severe thunderstorm popping up and dropping five inches in one area." The recent rain in the area provided little relief due to the immediate return of high temperatures. Geiger explained, "We had all this rain and it was short-lived. Then we have another extended period of 3-5 days of hot weather. So all that ground, it didn't have time to set in. It's now just drying out again." The drought affects water resources, agriculture, and vegetation, potentially increasing fire risks. "It can happen here. It does happen here," Geiger warned, noting that the region has experienced fires due to dry conditions. As Virginia grapples with these challenges, residents are encouraged to follow local and state advisories on water usage. While voluntary restrictions are in place in some areas, further measures may be necessary if conditions do not improve. For more updates on weather and local news, visit potomaclocalnews.com and sign up for our free email newsletter.