() Spring has sprung, but the Washington region is deprived of water. Drought covers much of the area, and in some places it is severe. Last week’s winter storm and its messy mix of ice and snow offered some relief, but drought conditions persist. Much of the region along Interstate 95 and to the west of it is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the weekly assessment from federal agencies. And the zone from roughly Manassas to Fairfax to Rockville is classified as being under a severe drought. A drought warning is in effect for Central Maryland, including Frederick and Carroll counties, along with portions of Montgomery County (not served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems). Water conservation is encouraged in these areas. A drought watch is in place for much of Northern Virginia except for water systems using the Potomac or Occoquan rivers. Since late summer, Washington has run up a rainfall deficit of more than 10 inches. In fact, rainfall has fallen short of…

Drought warning issued for central Maryland; Eastern region under drought watch.
BALTIMORE (WBFF) – A drought warning was issued for central Maryland on Thursday, by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
After a drought warning is issued, the MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages citizens and businesses to use less water.
Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties are covered by the warning, except for areas served by the Baltimore City or Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems.
Brush fires broke out in several counties under the drought warning Thursday, amid dry and windy conditions.
"Water conservation and efficiency are always smart especially during extended periods of reduced rainfall," said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles.
According to the MDE, central region rainfall since Sept. 30, 2016, is on average 6.5 inches below normal, or about 61% of normal.
Rainfall in the Eastern region since Sept. 30, 2016, is on average 4.7 inches below normal, or about 71% of normal, MDE said.
While under the drought warning, conditions in the affected jurisdictions will be evaluated weekly.
In assessing and issuing warnings on drought conditions, the state uses the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ definition of drought: "periods of time when natural or managed water systems do not provide enough water to meet established human and environmental uses because of natural shortfalls in precipitation or stream flow."