Half of N.J. is now in an extreme drought, new map shows

New Jersey’s worst drought in 22 years has turned even more serious in just one week, with half of the state now experiencing “extreme” drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map and data.
The map shows extreme drought conditions now cover every county in southern New Jersey and have spread as far north as southern Monmouth County.
Although the new drought map was created before the current storm that’s bringing much-needed rain, and some light snow, to the Garden State, weather experts say serious drought conditions will likely continue for many months.
New Jersey State Climatologist David Robinson said the state needs several months of above-average precipitation — both rain and snow — to help replenish the streams, rivers, reservoirs and underground aquifers that have all been struggling from our long stretch of extremely dry weather.
Michael Silva, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s main forecast office in New Jersey, agrees.
“It’s gonna take a lot of little (rain or snow) events over a long period of time to make a dent in the drought,” Silva said on Wednesday. “It could take several months to get out of it.”
Prior to the rain that started Wednesday night, most areas of New Jersey had no substantial rain falling since August, and only a few light rain showers since late September.
Note: If you are unable to view this map on your device, click on this link.
The unusually light rainfall has pushed the entire state into a serious drought. The northern half of New Jersey has severe drought conditions, just one level above extreme.
The drought continues to put a strain on drinking water sources, like above-ground reservoirs and underground aquifers. Some of the biggest reservoirs in New Jersey are at the lowest capacity seen in more than 20 years, and other reservoirs — including the Manasquan Reservoir in Monmouth County — have dipped to their lowest levels on record.
Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy and the state Department of Environmental Protection declared a statewide drought warning.
Although the warning does not call for mandatory water use restrictions or bans, Murphy said those actions will be taken if the drought situation continues to worsen and prompts the state to declare a more sweeping drought emergency — the highest level of action the state can take during serious droughts.
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Len Melisurgo may be reached at [email protected] or on X at @LensReality.