When was the last time it rained? While many of us might not ask this question on a daily basis, it’s still an important inquiry. As most people have forgotten to ask the question, nearly all of the nation is facing a historical drought. Even though Pennsylvania may have experienced rainfall a couple weeks ago, the drought status is still standing. 

The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force monitors drought conditions and provides ideas for potential responses to the Governor. On November 1st, the task force placed Montgomery County under drought conditions, where it joined 34 other Pennsylvania counties that are experiencing similar plights. This past October was Philadelphia’s first rainless month in 153 years, and Halloween was at a record-breaking 82 degrees. It’s not hard to see how these abnormally high temperatures have contributed to the drought. 

It’s not only Pennsylvania that is experiencing unusual temperatures and a dry climate, almost all of the United States are currently under some sort of drought condition; whether it’s moderate, severe, or extreme. According to Erica Fleishmann, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, droughts worldwide are occurring frequently and becoming more severe (New York Times). The U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday said that more than 85% of the country was “abnormally dry,” the highest percentage since 2000. 

So why is all of this happening? While a common misconception is that droughts occur because of a lack of rain, they are actually driven by unusually dry temperatures that suck moisture out of the ground. Weather patterns have contributed to these temperatures as well—atmospheric high pressure is persistent across the United States, and the pressure doesn’t leave rain or moisture much of a chance. Scientists are waiting for something in the atmosphere to disrupt this pattern, and not just a sudden storm, since lighter, consistent precipitation is easier for soil to suck up than the occasional rain. Not only are weather patterns contributing to this drought, but climate change might play a factor as well. Climate change exacerbates already existing droughts by increasing temperatures and rates of evaporation. While scientists might not know exactly how it factors into this drought, the widespread dry conditions are alerting them to look further into the role of climate change.

However, droughts are more than just numbers and causes—they impact our own communities in ways many people are not aware of. Many local farmers are struggling to grow crops, as the fields have turned brown and dry. Drought conditions impact water supply, which can threaten the health and safety of a region. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, 40% of the water we use is found underground, and droughts can lower the amount of water available. Droughts can also aggravate the probability of wildfires. The Philadelphia region is currently under a burn ban as the risk of wildfires increases, and parts of New Jersey have already witnessed the destructive effects of fires in recent weeks. 

Many communities are working hard to fight the impact of droughts, including our own. I reached out to Amy Buckman, the director of Community Relations, to discuss the district’s response to the drought declaration. She later corresponded my questions to Jim Lill, the Operations Director. He said, that while Lower Merion School District has not made any changes directly in response to the current drought situation, they already have many water conserving-fixtures in place. Some of these fixtures include waterless urinals and low consumption (1.6 gallons per flush) toilets. Our borough is also under a burn ban, which prohibits open fires. 99 percent of human activity causes wildfires in Pennsylvania, so it’s crucial to follow the guidance of officials to keep the area safe.

While our actions might have a smaller effect than officials working to converse water, everyone can pitch in to help. Small actions like checking and repairing household leaks, watering your lawn only if it’s necessary, and only running full dishwasher and laundry loads can help battle the negative ramifications of this drought. 

Despite the severity, there is hope. As we head into winter, the growing season comes to an end and we have some time to wish for regular precipitation before spring.