Syracuse, N.Y. — Even as a tropical storm bears down on Upstate New York, drought is worsening in some areas.
For the first time this year, a portion of Upstate New York has reached the "severe drought" stage, according to this week’s report by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The severe drought, which affects just 3 percent of the state, affects parts of Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, at the top northeast corner of New York.
"Little or no rain and well above-normal (6 to 10 degrees) temperatures worsened conditions in Upstate northeastern New York," the report said.
The criteria for severe drought includes "crop or pasture losses likely, water shortages common, and water restrictions imposed."
In addition to the severe drought area, 13 percent of New York state remains in a moderate drought, the lowest of the four drought categories.
That area includes the Adirondacks and a small slice of Western New York.
Heavy rain is headed for Upstate New York early next week as a cold front drags in the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon.
Up to 3 inches of rain could fall, especially in Western New York.
How much rain reaches the drought areas, and how much effect it will have, remains to be seen.