New Jersey issues drought warning amid record dry spell, fires

New Jersey's Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday issued a drought warning for the state amid a record dry spell and urged state residents to limit their use of water voluntarily.

The dry spell prompted the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to respond to 537 blazes since early October, which is an increase in 500 from the previous year, according to a statement from the governor. Murphy said the fires have also burned thousands of acres.

The increase from a drought watch to a drought warning comes with recommendations for water usage, per NBC New York, including limiting the water that is used on lawns, shutting off irrigation systems, using commercial car washes because they recycle water instead of washing cars at home, and using a broom to sweep sidewalks instead of hoses.

"New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions—as a result of climate change—that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Murphy said. "It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide."

The warning comes after the state witnessed rainfall over the weekend, but officials said it was not enough to dent drought levels. The state fire service also noted that conditions in the state are the driest they have been in almost 120 years.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.