JOHNSON CITY (WBNG) — This fall was the third driest on record. If the dry weather continues, the southern level could have effects.

According to climatologist Jessica Spaccio, Northeast Regional Climate Center, October set records for parts of the state for the driest month, and those trends have continued through November so far.

Spaccio said that while droughts are not unusual, as the state typically sees one every two to three years, this drought is unusual because of the timing.

Spaccio said if drier weather continues into the winter months, water problems could arise for some.

“One of the concerns is that as the ground freezes, because hopefully some precipitation will come, it won’t recharge the groundwater because with that frozen soil, it prohibits that recharge,” Spaccio explained.

Spaccio pointed out that it’s hard to know yet exactly what winter will bring, but she said that in a scenario where dry weather extends into winter, it could increase the risk of bushfires going into the spring.

She said with water levels in the area’s waterways low, certain fish species, such as trout, could be affected and affect fishing as the calendar turns to spring.

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