The hot, dry weather has people looking to beat the heat and officials concerned about the ideal conditions for wildfires.
One of the dryest seasons on record has settled around the state, with a little more than 2 inches of rain falling since June 1, compared to the usual amount of more than 5 inches.
The weather conditions have created a potentially dangerous situation that could allow wildfires to start easily and spread quickly in the Adirondacks and the surrounding region, a news release from the State Department of Environmental?Conservation Forest Rangers said.
Article Photos
Above, Alex Morey, 8, of Gloversville, stays cool by sliding through water on the lawn at Trail Station Park in Gloversville on Wednesday.
The Leader-Herald/Bill?Trojan
Already, fires have blazed to life. In Caroga Lake on?Friday, multiple acres were affected by a brush fire.
Also on Friday, Montgomery County instituted a burn ban, which includes burn barrels and outdoor fireplaces. The ban is in effect until Wednesday.
Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Dwight Schwabrow said the ban will probably be renewed.
"From what I'm seeing from the National Weather service, it's very likely it will be extended," Schwabrow said.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has also put a ban on residential brush burning, effective until Oct. 10.
With temperatures as high as 90 degrees the last several weeks, relief is a much sought after commodity in Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Kathleen Konakov of Gloversville sat at the Mayfield Town Beach, watching as children ran into the water.
"We've been spending a lot of time here," Konakov said.
Kelly Montanye, a life guard at the Mayfield Town Beach, commented that she has only had one day off in the last three weeks.
"We stay unless it rains," she said.
The beach has been filled often, with school groups and families pouring in to swim, Montanye said.
Even in the heat, Montanye said, she has seen sunbathers laying in the sun.
"By the end of the day, they are always in the water," she said.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Ray O'Keefe said there will be rain tonight into sunday night, with a chance of thunderstorms.
"I don't think it will be a lot of rain. Maybe a quarter to a half an inch," O'Keefe said. "It will be more than we have had recently."
Local farmers also have been affected by this heat wave.
Robby Dygert, of Dygert Farms in Palatine Bridge, reported he has had a shortage of hay for his cows feed, and their crop is barely growing.
Michael Brower, of Mayfield, said this was the first year he has ever had to install an irrigation system. It takes him three-to-four hours every day to watch and maintain water levels to keep his crops well watered.