New Jersey Declares Statewide Drought Warning

New Jersey has declared a statewide drought warning, escalating from an earlier drought watch due to historically low precipitation and above-average temperatures. Governor Phil Murphy and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have called for voluntary water conservation measures to prevent a potential drought emergency. The drought has led to a significant increase in wildfires, with 537 fires reported since early October, including the Jennings Creek Fire, which has burned over 4,000 acres and is partly contained. Residents are urged to conserve water by pausing outdoor watering and fixing leaks, while the DEP manages water resources more closely. Climate change is cited as a driving factor for the current conditions, and officials emphasize that substantial rainfall is needed to alleviate the situation.