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Brian Ler on WNYC Studios. You know all this nice weather we've been having?

There's another word for it.

Drought.

Officially, much of New York State is experiencing what they call moderate drought conditions

after the driest October in recorded history.

It was the second longest period with no rain at any time in city records

since they started keeping those like this in 1869.

And in New Jersey, it's even worse.

Three counties are now experiencing a rare extreme drought as it's labeled.

Most other counties are in a severe drought. The combination of hot

weather, strong winds, and dry conditions have led to all 21 of New Jersey's counties to officially

have very high or extreme fire danger now. Joining us to discuss what all of this means and how

New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, as well as their government officials,

can help conserve water and mitigate the risk of wildfires are Samantha Maldonado,

senior reporter for the news organization, The City, where she covers climate, resiliency,

housing, and development, and Michael Saul Warren, producer for NJ Spotlight News.

Michael, welcome to WNYC, and Samantha, welcome back.

Thank you.

Hey, Brian. Thanks for having me.

So, Samantha, a drought watch is the first of three levels in the city's advisory system, as you know.

Can you walk us through those levels and what they mean for New Yorkers and where we are now?

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