After a dry start to the summer, rain has been in full force in Delaware as of late.
Between somber thunderstorms, long-lasting showers and early-morning sprinkles, Delawareans have needed their umbrellas often over the last month.
Where Delaware’s 2023 rainfall levels stand
The National Weather Service has five sites in Delaware that track precipitation, two of which record daily amounts in Wilmington and Georgetown.
As of Wednesday, the Wilmington site at New Castle Airport has received 30.51 inches of precipitation this year. Of the 30.51 inches of precipitation, 18.91 of them were recorded over the last 38 days. Before then, the Wilmington station received the lowest amount of precipitation ever recorded in the May 13-June 11 timeframe. But after the recent rainfall, the 30.51 inches at the station this year is nearly 6 inches more than the average amount.
As for Georgetown, that site at Delaware Coastal Airport has received 22.87 inches of precipitation this year as of Wednesday, slightly below the normal amount of 23.95 inches. That station has received 6.79 inches of precipitation since June 11.
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Is Delaware in a drought?
None of Delaware was abnormally dry or in any level of drought as of Tuesday at 8 a.m. ET, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System’s drought monitor, which examines precipitation, streamflow, reservoir levels, temperature and evaporative demand, soil moisture and vegetation health across the country.
Delaware’s current drought status comes after areas of the state received low precipitation levels early in the summer. On June 20, 69.52% of Delaware’s landmass was either in a moderate drought or abnormally dry. That percentage decreased every week over the last four weeks.
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Impacts of abnormally dry conditions include stunted crop growth, elevated fire danger and declining surface water levels, according to the NIDIS. There are more significant impacts of moderate droughts, including an increase in wildfires and ground fires and a request for voluntary water conservation.
Official drought watches, warnings and emergencies in Delaware are declared by the governor, according to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
More rain on its way?
As August approaches, Delaware may see some more rain in the coming days.
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast calls for a 60% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms across Delaware Friday morning and a 30% chance of afternoon showers. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a 10% chance of rain, Sunday has a 5% chance of rain and Monday has a 25% chance of rain.
But for the most part, it will be a relatively dry weekend with temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s.
