Categorized | Agriculture

Drought persists despite showers during the week


MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

The National Drought Monitor showed minimal changes in drought condition ratings on October 25, 2011, at 7:00 AM EST compared to the previous week. Extreme drought was reported on the Kohala coast and the extreme southern tip of Hawaii Island. Extreme drought conditions, at 2 percent, were approximately 26 percentage points lower compared to ratings on October 19, 2010. All available weather stations reported measurable rainfall with the exception of Waianae (HI17) on Oahu. The Seasonal Drought Outlook shows persistence drought tendencies for October 20, 2011, through January 31, 2012, show ongoing drought with some improvement for the leeward coasts of all islands plus most of Hawaii Island.

Hawaii County
The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 41.50 feet (39.30 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 5.00 feet or 11 percent from the October 17, 2011 reading. The conservation status remains unrestricted.

Maui County
The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 12.75 feet (281.00 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 0.50 foot or 4 percent from the October 24, 2011 measurement. Statewide, only the windward coasts of Maui Island continued to not be rated in some form of drought intensity. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.

Honolulu County
Skies were mostly clear during the week with some isolated showers in the evening. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 23.00 feet (10.30 million gallons) on Monday, October 31, 2011, down 13 percent or 3.50 foot from the October 17, 2011 reading. Effective October 17, 2011, a Phase I – Modified Conservation Measure is in place requiring a 10- percent mandatory water conservation was declaired. All of Honolulu County was rated as abnormally dry drought condition according to the National Drought Monitor.

Kauai County
Kauai County was partly cloudy throughout the week with measurable rainfall mostly in the latter portion of the reference week. Severe drought conditions were reported for the extreme southern portion of Kauai Island according the National Drought Monitor.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards
Rainfall and irrigation (where available), coupled with clear skies, were beneficial for crop development. Coffee and macadamia nut harvest activities continued with no delays attributed to weather conditions.

Vegetables
Vegetables were mostly in good to fair condition depending on location and availability of irrigation water.

Livestock and Pasture
Showers were appreciated, but more precipitation was needed to boost forage growth for grazing.

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