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April 20, 2006

Drought panel on the lookout for much-needed rain

Where are those April showers when you need them?

March was second-driest month in Rhode Island's recorded weather history. Rainfall in February and March combined was about 42 percent below what it should have been.

Some farmers are delaying planting crops because they're afraid seeds won't germinate. And turf growers are harvesting early because they're afraid the grass will dry out.

Those were among the concerns voiced today by the state's Drought Steering Committee, which met today for first time since fall. They acknowledged weekend rain was expected, but said it may not be enough to reverse fears prompted by the dry conditions.

Still, the committee voted not to issue an advisory today -- but, in an unusual move, they will meet again in May to assess the situation.

More in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com....

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 6:24 PM | Permalink

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