Drought history

1960s

The 1960s drought was one of the most severe droughts New York State has experienced. In fact, tree-ring chronologies in the upper Delaware River Basin, which supplies much of New York City’s water, show that 1961-1967 was the most severe incidence of historical drought since 1750. Because the Delaware River was running low, the reservoirs supplying New York City’s water were down to 25% capacity, placing an immense strain on resources. Across the state, agriculture was severely impacted as farmers saw widespread crop failures. Additionally, water quality and the health of forests and humans was threatened. Many people in New York State felt the impacts of this drought.

Early 1980s

After a period of ample precipitation, drought and water shortages in southern New York returned in the early 1980s, leading to the development of New York's Drought Management Task Force.

Coined the “great Eastern drought of 1985,” this drought was fueled by heat waves and lack of rain. Heat waves affected portions of the country, particularly the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Depleted reservoirs threatened water supplies from Maine to Virginia, affecting thousands of people. In New York City, the governor declared Emergency Stage I drought in April 1985, then Stage II in June and Stage III in August. It wasn’t until February of 1986 that the city’s drought conditions were declared as normal.

2002

Drought occurred across portions of the East Coast during 2002, including areas of New York State. Dry conditions started in 2001 and reduced reservoir levels to the point where, in March 2002, New York City and four upstate counties were declared in a drought emergency. Residents across New York City were asked to conserve water. In fact, restrictions affected more than eight million residents due to the severity of the situation. At the time, the New York City water supply reservoir system was at just 41% capacity.

2012

Drought was widespread across the United States in 2012. At its peak, nearly a third of New York State was in moderate drought. People across much of the country were asked to conserve water and burn bans were also enacted in many places. New York State residents saw impacts to crops, wildfires, and low lake levels. These shallow water levels led to warmer than normal temperatures, threatening wildlife, and fueling the growth of hazardous algae blooms. 

2016-2017

The 2016 to 2017 drought was the first extreme drought in New York State since 2002. This brought record-low streamflow levels and severe impacts to small reservoir systems. Farmers saw the heaviest impacts, particularly those in Western and Central New York, with crop losses were reported by many. Fruit and vegetable farmers were unable to keep up with irrigation demands, as they lacked the irrigation capacity to do so. Summer 2016 was the most dramatic time for loss, with farmers noting the need for more infrastructure and systems to help them in case of a similar drought in the future.

2022

Parts of the Northeast experienced drought during the summer and fall of 2022. New York State experienced hotter than usual weather and inconsistent precipitation. Despite some thunderstorms and rainfall, the level of precipitation was not enough. At the peak of brief drought, New York City and a few surrounding counties were classified as being in severe drought, and many more across the state fell under moderate drought. Much of the state was under drought watch, declared by Governor Kathy Hochul, to ensure that water supplies did not become threatened. In mid-August, the entire state was declared at high risk for wildfires as well, so special precaution was asked of those making outdoor campfires.