Syracuse, NY – A drought warning is now in effect for almost all of Upstate New York, with the southeastern corner of the state under a more severe drought warning.

The state remains under a fire ban through the end of the month, and more than half of New York State is at high or very high risk of rapid wildfire spread.

Some relief could come late this week from a powerful storm system moving in from the Midwest. That could put a dent in the drought, depending on how much rain falls and where. Some parts of the state are so parched that it will take more than the 1 to 2 inches predicted from this storm for the drought to end.

“Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions in many New York counties, elevating Hudson Valley and New York City counties to drought warning status and a statewide drought watch,” Governor Kathy Hochul said today. in a statement.

A drought watch is the lowest of four drought categories; a warning is the next step up. (The two highest are emergencies and disasters.) Under supervision, water conservation is encouraged but not required. A warning means that public water supplies and industries are advised to implement drought contingency plans.

Record warm temperatures and historically low rainfall in recent months have led to drought and the state’s worst wildfires in nearly two decades. While almost all of New York State has been abnormally dry in recent months, the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island have been virtually rain-free.

Poughkeepsie has received a total of just under an inch of rain since September 1; Normally it would have seen 10 inches since then.

Temperatures have been record-breaking across the country. On November 5, Syracuse reached a temperature of 80 degrees, making it one of the four warmest November days since records began in 1902.