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Drought continues despite some areas getting rain

 BY JOHN PATTERSON
SALISBURY POST

A $1 million rain.

That’s what Rowan County’s next significant rain event could be worth to local farmers suffering through an extended drought. But if rain doesn’t come soon, it might be too little, too late, according to Rowan agriculture agent Todd Williams.

‘‘Corn is critical, and right behind that are soybeans and cotton,’’ Williams said. ‘‘Cotton has actually held on pretty well, but nothing is doing great.’’

Spotty thundershowers hit parts of Rowan on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Williams said he measured .38 inches at his office, and Cleveland got one-tenth of an inch. China Grove reported about four-tenths of an inch. But, he said, some parts of Rowan still haven’t gotten any significant rain in months.

Weather experts attribute the drought and recent hot weather to a blocking ridge of high pressure that is pumping humidity, heat and haze up from the south and fending off rain. Forecasters say, however, that short-term relief is in sight: Rain and cooler temperatures are on the way.

But any relief will likely prove short, according to Dr. James Baker, chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Baker, in a written statement, said drought conditions may continue through the summer and into fall because of a resurging La Nina. La Nina, the climatic opposite of El Nino, can affect global weather patterns, including the drought here in the North Carolina.

‘‘For farmers in this region, this makes the third consecutive year of drought,’’ Baker said. ‘‘Recent heat and lack of rain have quickly worsened the dryness. Rain in the next week or so may bring short-term relief, but a resurging La Nina could extend the drought into the fall.’’

Meanwhile, Williams said farmers have been hit with more than drought this year – crops are also drawing some of the lowest prices in decades, something that could drive a lot of farmers right out of business.

‘‘The yields are already looking pretty dismal because of the drought, but combined with that are some of the lowest prices in years,’’ Williams said. ‘‘It’s going to be tough for a lot of farmers.’’

Williams said all people can do is hope for more rain.

‘‘Something’s got to happen,’’ he said. ‘‘The pastures are already dried up like they would be in mid August. Let’s just hope we can get some more rain this weekend.’’