This week's rain isn't nearly enough to end NYC's drought warning

It’s already been a wetter week than New Yorkers have gotten used to around the city, and Wednesday's forecast calls for significant storms. But it’ll take a lot more rain to end the ongoing drought warning.

The city and surrounding areas started receiving more precipitation in November after a historic dry spell, with about 3.77 inches of rain reaching the city’s reservoirs in the Catskills and Hudson Valley. That was a little more than the average of 3.41 inches for past Novembers, according to the city Department of Environmental Protection.

But a spokesperson for the department stressed the city was still suffering from a deficit of more than 7 inches of rain over the period from August through October, when a severe dip in the amount of rainfall contributed to brush fires throughout New York and New Jersey.

December would need to absolutely drench the region to make up the difference, experts said.

The environmental department said New York City’s reservoirs would need to receive 10 to 11 inches of rain in December, up from the typical 4, to end the drought warning for the five boroughs before the end of 2024. So far, the first third of December is lagging slightly behind historical averages.

“I want to be clear: We’re nowhere near out of the woods yet,” Mayor Eric Adams said earlier this week when he lifted a citywide ban on open flames and fireworks.

Central Park and Prospect Park had already both called off their annual New Year's Eve fireworks, with Prospect Park planning a drone light show in its place.

Wednesday’s weather is expected to put a further dent in the rainfall deficit. The National Weather Service said the city could see a few inches of rain amid heavy winds and possible flooding.

“ I'm not sure what would be better for folks, if they'd rather see a a blockbuster nor'easter or a warm rainstorm in December,” National Weather Service meteorologist Dominic Ramunni told Gothamist earlier this week.

The city’s reservoirs are at about 60% capacity, according to official figures. They’re normally a little more than 80% full around this time of year.

Adams and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul jointly announced the city was under a drought warning for the first time in 22 years on Nov. 18. The designation doesn’t automatically impose any restrictions on the public, but the city paused a repair of the Delaware Aqueduct in the Catskills so that officials could reopen access to that water supply.

Most of the Hudson Valley remains under a drought warning as well, the level below a more serious drought emergency, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Long Island is under a lesser drought watch.

All of New Jersey also remains under drought conditions, according to that state’s environmental department.

The city has urged New Yorkers to continue conserving water — including by avoiding flushing toilets unnecessarily, taking shorter showers and avoiding running water while shaving, washing hands or brushing teeth.

Officials suggested running dishwashers only when they’re full and using short cycles when possible. They also said fixing leaks and installing water-saving fixtures could have a big impact on home water conservation.

Brittany Kriegstein contributed to this story.