The drought monitor was updated with the start of February, and more than 97% of Virginia is abnormally dry, and almost half of the commonwealth is in a moderate drought.
Most of our area is still in a moderate drought, and some parts of the state are even in a severe drought.
We received just over half of the rainfall we normally receive in the month of January, and after starting the year with drought conditions carried over from 2017, we could be facing a serious drought this spring and summer.
These dry conditions also pose an increased risk of wildfires.
The Virginia Department of Forestry has already responded to 52 wildfires this year.
"There’s an increasing likelihood of having more wildfires than would normally be the case.
And even to some degree maybe an increase in the severity of those wildfires if they do occur," Miller said.
Miller explained it only takes one good rainfall event to turn things around, but some places across the state have already seen water restrictions.
He said if these drought conditions continue, more places could see water restrictions this spring or summer.
We have rain in the forecast this week, but it will not be enough to put a dent in the drought.