Drought in West Virginia, November 1 to 30, 1998

This was the fifth month in a row that drought conditions were seen across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Persistent high pressure over the Southeast U.S. forced most rain producing low pressure systems to steer north of the region. Monthly rainfall totals from counties in the region included a meager 0.3 inches in Mineral, 0.4 in Morgan, 0.5 in Hardy and Hampshire, 0.6 in Jefferson, and 0.9 in Grant. The extremely dry conditions forced the governor to declare a ban on open burning in Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton Counties on November 19th.The agricultural community across Hampshire, Pendleton, and Hardy Counties continued to be affected by the persistent drought. By November 30th, 86% of topsoil moisture across the state was rated short or very short. Some farmers opted to not plant winter crops this year due to the lack of moisture. Damage to pasture land and lack of winter livestock feed reserves were all attributed to the lack of rainfall.