New Jersey, a state known for its plentiful rain, has recently been facing a rare and serious drought. The northern part of the state is currently under a “severe drought,” while the southern areas are experiencing an “extreme drought.” Droughts like this are uncommon in New Jersey, typically occurring only once every 20 to 50 years. By comparison, states like California are more prone to droughts and wildfires due to their dry climate. While many people think droughts and wildfires happen only in the summer, they can strike any time of year when rainfall is scarce.
One major consequence of droughts is wildfires. Unfortunately, New Jersey has experienced several significant fires this fall, including one on November 7, 2024, in Edgewater. Additionally, in Bergen County, a lightning strike caused a large brush fire on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. According to ABC News, “Fire danger increased in the Northeast due to the combination of a historically dry fall, gusty winds near 30 mph, and relative humidity down to 25%.”
Tragically, one wildfire near the New York-New Jersey border claimed the life of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a volunteer firefighter. Vasquez, who also worked for the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was fighting the Sterling Forest Greenwood Lake fire when he was struck by a falling tree and killed instantly.
While many of the wildfires have subsided in recent weeks, the drought remains a pressing issue. As of December 3, 2024, nearly 88% of New Jersey—approximately 7,638 square miles—is still dealing with drought conditions. Some areas have received rain, but not enough to restore the state’s water supply to normal levels.
With winter approaching, many are hopeful that rain and snow will help ease the drought and refill reservoirs. For now, New Jerseyans are left waiting for relief, while reflecting on the challenges and tragedies caused by this rare weather event.