A persistently dry end to summer and start to fall has put some areas on the cusp of a drought across the Ohio Valley, including our area.
Some areas are considered to be abnormally dry or in moderate drought at this time, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While most places east of the Mississippi River have yet to develop official drought conditions, the area has had hardly any precipitation 
since early to mid-September. Some spotty rain may fall along the leading edge of cool air advancing from the Midwest to the Northeast during the latter part of the week.
Another cold front will close in on us Saturday night, but then move back north by Sunday. But it could be enough to spark a broken line of showers and storms Saturday evening. Overall, the front fizzles out and I wouldn’t expect much. While any rainfall over the next week will be welcomed, it will not be enough to cover the deficit for most places. Right now, a much better chance for rain comes on Columbus Day at the first of next week as a stronger front approaches. By that time tropical moisture from the Gulf will hopefully merge with the front and bring a nice rainfall with it. 
Farmers and gardeners are also feeling the effects of the dry spell. Some of the apple crop is ripening earlier and quicker, which is shortening the time for the fruit to be harvested.
A good rain is also needed as farmers are getting ready to plant the fall wheat crop. Without adequate moisture, the seeds will be slow to germinate. Fall foliage may also be taking a hit amid the dry stretch. If the dryness continues for much longer, foliage on trees stressed by the dryness will dull and leaves will fall earlier than average. Not only will this disappoint leaf watchers, but it also will provide dry fuel for wildfires. Hikers and campers are urged to use caution and to heed local burn bans. The normal seasonal burn ban is 
in effect statewide in Kentucky between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM anyway. So far, our area is holding its own, but rain is sorely needed soon before conditions worsen.
There is another problem that is ongoing as well. Because the fall season has been warmer than average, the ragweed season could last longer than normal despite the late start. The warmth will keep the weed-producing plants growing for a longer time. Due to the warmer, and the extreme weather caused by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, the mid-Atlantic and northern parts of the Southeast will see a spike in ragweed growth. The areas affected the most by the hurricanes will see higher-than-normal weed pollen levels. While rainfall can wash away pollen temporarily, the increased moisture also causes the plants to continue growing.
We will see conditions much higher than normal for weed pollen from Kentucky and Tennessee through North Carolina and into Virginia and even southern Pennsylvania. This region looks to be the worst pollen areas for the fall. Aside from ragweed, mold spores will be the second-most common cause of fall allergies. Unlike ragweed, mold spores are common in warm, wet climates. While we have been warm, the dryness will probably not allow mold to be an issue in our region. Both mold spores and ragweed can cause a stuffy nose, itchy red eyes and sometimes a cough.
Oftentimes, the symptoms that come with allergies can be mistaken for a common cold, although there are a few specifics that set the two apart. The biggest difference between allergies and a cold is that with allergies you get more of an itchy throat, rather than a sore throat,” said Deborah Gentile, MD, an allergy and asthma immunologist. “When you have allergies, your runny nose is clear rather than the mucus-like runny nose that is associated with a cold.” As we soon take a turn to cooler temperatures you may be tempted to open the windows and give the air conditioning a rest. Although the air outside may feel comfortable and refreshing, it’s important to keep doors and windows closed if someone in your home suffers from autumn allergies. If you enjoy reading this blog, feel free to comment and please hit the like button at the bottom.
