The majority of Virginia is now under a drought warning advisory.
In the previous update from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality last month – the southwestern and southeastern corners of the state – and the Eastern Shore – were the only areas in the Commonwealth under the lower-level, drought watch advisory.
But now, only a couple counties in Southeastern Virginia are under the watch advisory – the rest of the state has a warning.
The change coincides with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update – which shows just over a quarter of the state currently experiencing extreme drought.
State officials say that despite some recent precipitation, moderate to severe levels of dryness persists statewide.
All Virginians can help by conserving water supplies, minimizing usage and repairing any leaks.
