May 13, 2013 - Plenty of rain fell over most of the northern part of the MARFC service area in the past week. Most areas for May have now had 2 to 3 inches of rain, though lesser amounts of 1 to 2 have fallen further north in south-central New York and northern-most Pennsylvania. Precipitation over the past 90 days is now closer to normal thanks to the recent rainfall, but is still 1 to 2 1/2 inches below average for most areas. The driest locations (2 1/2 to nearly 4 inches below average) are in northeast Pennsylvania and northwest New Jersey. Once again, an exception is southern New Jersey where amounts have been closer to normal. Year to date precipitation is showing precipitation totals ranging from 2 to nearly 5 inches below average. Again, the exception is far southern New Jersey where amounts have been closer to average.

Current (May 13) streamflow data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that streamflows are generally near or above normal in south-central New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Groundwater levels are, on average, near or above normal.

The weather outlook through the next couple of weeks calls for near or somewhat above normal rainfall. Temperatures are expected to average out to be near normal during this period, though both above and below normal days are likely. The Climate Prediction Center's 30 day outlook for May calls for near average precipitation and temperatures. The 90 day outlook for May through July calls for near average precipitation and above average temperatures.

The outlook for water resources is fair in south-central New York, northeast Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey. The outlook has improved to good elsewhere. Significant recent rainfall has led to an improvement in water resources in many locations. However, overall dry weather over the past 90 days and since the beginning of the year means that longer term deficits still exist. Increase in water usage will continue as we approach summer. Should rainfall dip to below normal, water resources may become increasingly stressed in the upcoming weeks and months. This does not, for now, appear to be the case.

In summary, the northern portion of the MARFC service area has sufficient water resources and water supplies. These water resources and supplies are likely to maintain current levels or begin their typical slow long term decrease in the coming weeks, but remain sufficient, with no water shortages expected in the next several weeks. Near or above normal rainfall in the short term is expected to help maintain current water resources and supplies.

End.