The Weather Channel Predicts Thunderstorms in East But Not Enough to Dampen the Drought; Northeast Drought Now Worst in 30 Years.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 5, 1999--

Though experts at The Weather Channel indicate "splash-and-dash" thunderstorms will sprinkle the Northeast at times during the next seven days, the rainfall will not be enough to substantially lessen the drought conditions that plague the eastern United States.

Meteorologists at The Weather Channel say the best remedy for restoring reservoirs to normal levels and saving crops is a prolonged period of regular, moderate rainfall events, but the outlook is not encouraging. "The reasons for the drought are varied," comments Stu Ostro, The Weather Channel weather communications manager. "First, the recent lack of rainfall is occurring during the summer when the sun is strongest and the soil dries much more quickly than any other time of year. Second, the steering flow aloft is causing the northeast to experience fast-moving cold fronts followed by high pressure that squashes precipitation. Third, the seeds of the current drought were sewn prior to the summer; in fact some areas have precipitation deficits of as much as 18 inches that can be traced back through the past year."

The current drought is the worst the area has seen in more than 30 years. Though the most extreme drought conditions are centered from Maryland and Northern Virginia to New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, conditions are worsening across much of the Northeast. The situation is being compared to the benchmark drought of the 1960s, when reservoir levels reached record lows between 1964 and 1966.

The Climate Prediction Center's official forecast for autumn shows no strong signs for either wet or dry weather patterns, and weather conditions don't necessarily have a correlation from season to season.

Therefore it is impossible to predict when the drought will end.

While the lack of rain is extreme in this part of the country, there are some benefits to arid weather. Allergy sufferers may not sneeze as much, as ragweed pollen may be reduced during August and September, when the pollen count traditionally increases. Many may scratch less from mosquito bites, as some mosquitoes will not be able to find sufficiently damp areas to lay their eggs. Fall foliage enthusiasts may experience an early fall season, complete with vibrant and robust colors decorating the countryside.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a meteorologist at The Weather Channel, contact Alev de Costa at 212.780.1900 x511, or Kathy Lane at 770.226.2102.

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