Drought

Drought and Wildfires In New Jersey: How Climate Change is Shaping the Garden State’s Future

We often hear about wildfires and droughts in the Southwest and Western U.S.—places like California, Arizona, and Texas. But now, New Jersey is facing its own drought crisis, and the risk of severe wildfires is growing. This is what climate change looks like: unusual, extreme weather that endangers our homes, businesses, and communities if we’re not prepared. Unless we take action, these threats will only intensify. Last month, Governor Murphy and the New Jersey DEP issued a statewide Drought Watch, urging all residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. Over the past four months, New Jersey has experienced significantly below-average rainfall, resulting in diminished streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels.