Parts of Western New York now in an extreme drought

The United States Drought Monitor placed Northern Erie, much of Genesee and a small portion of Wyoming County in an extreme drought Thursday morning. 

Only six percent of New York State is in an extreme drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, widespread water shortages and loss of crops are expected in an extreme drought.

Most of Western New York remains in a severe drought. For more information about the U.S. Drought Monitor and they determine who is in a drought, click here. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and issues drought maps based off soil moisture measurements and observations from across the U.S. every Thursday.