Despite some recent rain, New Hampshire is currently classified as "abnormally dry" by the National Drought Mitigation Center. The lack of rainfall has forced many New Hampshire farmers to turn to irrigation.
"We've spent a lot of money. It's a huge pain in the neck," says Chuck Souther, owner of Apple Hill Farm in Concord, who had to irrigate this year's strawberry crop. "We're much happier when rain falls out of the sky."
If the dry period doesn't let up, Souther and other farmers say their apples, pumpkins, and even next year's berry crops could be affected.
State Climatologist Mary Stampone says that's a possibility.
"If we continue to have dry weather over the next few weeks, we could see an intensification into those lower drought categories." Stampone said. "It's worth keeping an eye on right now and taking measures, if you can, to reduce your water use."
Stampone and officials at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services recommend that residents suspend outdoor water use, such as power washing and washing cars, to avoid a water shortage.
