Rainfall below yearly mark in WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Even though we've had a break in the weather, the drought is still present.

The U.S. Drought monitor released Thursday shows that it has expanded in western New York.

"Right now Niagara and Erie, which were already under a drought continue to be under a moderate drought; but they've also added all of Orleans, Genessee and Wyoming counties," said 4 Warn Meteorologist Amelia Segal. The report shows that the southern tier is in a abnormally dry drought.

The low rainfall is the problem. In western New York, Segal said it's about six inches below the yearly mark.

"Last year we used to get a rainfall about once a week or every 10 days. When was the last time we had a decent rain here," said Harold Everett of Buffalo.

Everett and his granddaughter Victoria went fishing in the Buffalo River. Even though the water levels were low due to the drought it didn't stop them from fishing.

"I've had better days, but at least my granddaughter caught her first fish" said Everett.

But for others, they had a hard time finding fish.

"The fish aren't coming out because it's so hot. We don't see them like we used to," said Steve Loschaavo of Alden.

Many are hoping some much needed rain will pour to turn this drought around.