West Virginia under most widespread drought since 2008

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — More than 60% of West Virginia is currently in a drought, with at least part of every county experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System , although none of the state has reached extreme (D3) or exceptional drought (D4) conditions, more than 17% of the state—which includes parts of 10 counties—are under severe drought (D2) conditions.

West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and Allegheny Highlands, including parts of Tucker and Randolph counties in north central West Virginia, are in severe drought, meaning that losses to crops or pastures are likely, according to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) drought classifications .

Although conditions have not yet reached D3 or D4 this year, historical data says that West Virginia is under the most widespread drought since 2008 as far as the affected area goes. Approximately 60.5% of the state area-wise and nearly 900,000 residents are in drought conditions.

Looking forward, it’s not going to better in the next week. Panhandle counties are expected to get even drier, and conditions are expected to stay primarily dry and very hot across most of West Virginia for at least the next few days. In Clarksburg, the StormTracker 12 Weather team predicts scattered thunderstorms at the beginning of next week.

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