Blacksburg, Va. – Southwest Virginia is sliding into drought conditions after a parched September has left many communities struggling with less than half an inch of rain this month. The U.S. Drought Monitor now classifies much of the region under moderate drought, with farmers and residents facing mounting concerns.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the dry pattern has expanded across Montgomery, Giles, and Pulaski counties, with pockets of abnormally dry ground stretching into the New River Valley and Roanoke areas. Greenbrier County, West Virginia, is in even worse shape, where severe drought has already been declared.
The lack of rain is raising red flags for agriculture and water resources, with soil moisture quickly depleting and pastures showing signs of stress. Streams and small creeks are running low, and officials warn continued dry weather could worsen fire danger through early fall.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water where possible and avoid outdoor burning while conditions remain dry. Local emergency officials say relief will only come with several days of steady rainfall, which has not yet appeared in extended outlooks.
Drought advisories remain in effect until further notice, with updates expected weekly from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
