Cranberry farmer Stephen Lee has described the drought as a crisis, incurring diesel bills of $800 a day for irrigation.

In response to the drought, NYC's Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought watch, urging residents to conserve water.

Local residents have expressed anxiety and fear as they prepare for potential evacuations, particularly concerning the safety of their animals.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection plans to hold a hearing on November 12 to discuss the state's dry conditions and potential water supply issues.

New Jersey is grappling with wildfires exacerbated by one of the driest months on record, prompting New York City to issue smoke warnings.

October 2024 was recorded as the driest month in Central Park since the 1860s, with only 0.01 inch of rainfall, contributing to the current wildfire crisis.

The U.S. Drought Monitor has reported a severe and worsening drought in the tri-state area, which began in September 2024, leading to critically low reservoir levels.

Current weather conditions are expected to remain conducive to fires through the end of the week, with meaningful rain not anticipated until at least November 10.

Farmers are facing significant challenges, with many having to drill deeper for water, severely impacting crop yields and increasing irrigation costs.

As of now, the cause of the wildfires remains unknown, with first responders assessing containment efforts as daylight arrives.

The FDNY reported that they controlled a significant fire by the evening of November 8, though one firefighter sustained a minor injury during the response.

Forecasts suggest that even anticipated rain will not provide sufficient relief, with officials emphasizing the need for several inches to mitigate wildfire risks.