AGENCY TESTIMONY
Climate change and its effect on NYC's precipitation patterns
0:12:20
·
120 sec
Paul Rush discusses the impact of climate change on precipitation patterns affecting NYC's water supply, emphasizing the record low precipitation and the unpredictability of weather forecasts.
- The watershed extends more than 100 miles north of the city, so rainfall in the five boroughs doesn't directly help the drinking water supply.
- October saw the lowest precipitation in recorded history, despite forecasts of a wetter than average month.
- The unprecedented deficit in rainfall had only a 1% probability of occurring.
- NYC has partnered with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3a) for advanced extreme weather and water forecasting capabilities.
Paul Rush
0:12:20
The watershed extends more than 100 miles north of the city, So even if it rains here in the 5 boroughs, that rain does not help with our drinking water supply.
0:12:30
This year drought has brought record low precipitation to both areas and across the northeast region.
0:12:37
We saw the lowest precipitation recorded history in October, despite forecasts of a wetter than average October.
0:12:45
In fact, the unprecedented deficit in rainfall we experienced this fall only had a 1% probability of occurring.
0:12:54
Thankfully, New York City has among the most resilient and robust water supply systems in the world.
0:13:01
The resiliency and sheer scale of New York City's water supply system provides us with unparalleled flexibility.
0:13:09
In a typical fall, the system is filled to around 80%,
Robert Holden
0:13:13
but
Paul Rush
0:13:13
it can operate safely and effectively even below average levels.
0:13:18
Our team diligently monitors the conditions across the system and have taken actions to ensure that our water supply remained reliable throughout the drought conditions.
0:13:32
Prior to deciding to move forward with the Delaware Aqueduct shutdown this year, we had been closely tracking forecasts.
0:13:39
In September, we announced our partnership with the Center For Western Weather and Water Extremes, CW 3a, to bring advanced extreme weather and water forecasting capabilities to d to DEP.
0:13:53
CW 3 a is embedded at Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, which is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world.
0:14:07
But forecasts are not guaranteed.
0:14:10
The drought came on suddenly and intensely.
0:14:13
A high pressure system camped out over the New York region and much of the northeast, which made it difficult for normal weather patterns to break through.
