Drought in West Virginia, May 1 to 31, 1999

High pressure was the dominant weather feature across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia during the month. This weather pattern directed rain producing low pressure systems north of the region and continued the climatological drought that has gripped the area since last summer. The Palmer Drought Index, a measure of long term drought conditions, indicated the Eastern Panhandle was in a severe drought through the month. May was the 7th month in the past 12 months that precipitation was below normal. The region was a staggering 13 inches below average for precipitation during the period. Monthly rainfall totals across the Eastern Panhandle included 2.6 inches in Pendleton County, 1.9 inches in Grant County, 2.8 inches in Hardy County, 2.5 inches in Mineral and Jefferson County, 1.7 inches in Hampshire County, and 2.4 inches in Morgan County. The lack of precipitation was especially troublesome to the agricultural community. Area farmers reported most pastures were in poor condition and 42% of the hay crop was in poor or very poor condition. 70% of topsoil was reported short or very short of moisture across the state by the last week of the month.