The Northern Virginia area got its fair share of wet and white weather in December and January, but will a lack of precipitation in February exacerbate potential drought conditions for the summer of 2024?
Last summer, the region was contending with a drought, and while wet winter weather has helped to replenish the water table, February thus far has been precipitation-free, and could stay that was through at least until the middle of the month.
Snow is particularly helpful to ease drought conditions, as it can be absorbed into the soil better than rain, which has a tendency to run off.
Currently, about 20 percent of the nation is seeing drought conditions, according to federal figures, with about 10 percent having significant drought problems. Mostly those conditions are concentrated in the Midwest and West, although Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana also have their share of problems.
Find updated weather conditions in the local area through our weather partner, AccuWeather, at GazetteLeader.com/weather.
