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Drought Watch Declared as Fall Foliage Dims in NY

9/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a drought watch for Erie and Niagara counties on August 29.
Western New York has 19 inches of precipitation this year, compared with a 28.5-inch normal.
Climatologist Jessica Spaccio says droughts have muted fall foliage, signaling ongoing drought issues.
A cold front may bring relief, but early October is forecast for below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures.

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Story summary

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a drought watch for Erie and Niagara counties on August 29.
Western New York has 19 inches of precipitation this year, compared with a 28.5-inch normal.
Climatologist Jessica Spaccio says droughts have muted fall foliage, signaling ongoing drought issues.
A cold front may bring relief, but early October is forecast for below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures.