drought

An increase in gas prices hit farmers hard at the start of the 2026 growing season. And those prices haven’t meaningfully dropped yet.Delaware Agriculture Secretary Don Clifton said, "The difference is 65% increase in a matter of just a few months. And the diesel cost; that's outrageous and unnecessary, and that is a...that ripples through the entire economy. The level that, that fuel is trading is also an indicator of what heating oil will be this fall."Now, drought conditions, fertilizer costs, and slow-going Farm Bill deliberations in Congress are adding weight to farmers already squeezed by high overheads.Delaware Public Media’s Isreal Hale checked in this week with Felton farmer Jim Minner to discuss how these issues are affecting his day to day operations.

Fireworks... you either love them or hate them. And the approaching July 4th holiday is centered around them. Add to that 2026 being the nation’s 250th anniversary, and the upcoming Independence Day will likely see massive displays including some “unofficial” displays.But there are laws in Delaware to ensure safety and lessen fireworks’ health and environmental impact. As a matter of fact, just this week the General Assembly passed a bill that clarifies and bolsters existing fireworks regulations. It awaits Gov. Meyer’s signature.In preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend, Assistant State Fire Marshall and Chief of Investigations B. Scott Bullock joined Delaware Public Media’s Jay Shah to walk us through fireworks dos and don’ts.

Gov. Matt Meyer declared a statewide drought watch Wednesday because precipitation levels have seen a steep and steady decline for the second time in three years particularly in Kent and Sussex Counties.

Severe droughts come with a series of consequences, including wildlife moving to farms for food, trees becoming brittle, specialty crops suffering and poor water and air quality.

The Delaware Climate Office launches a new website to help Delawareans stay informed about the state’s water supply during droughts.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has lifted the statewide outside fire burn ban following some long awaited rainfall.

Delaware finally received some measurable rain Sunday night, but remains well below normal precipitation levels for this time of year.

Delaware is under a statewide drought watch.

A drought watch being considered for New Castle County won’t happen after recent rainfall diminished water supply concerns. According to the Office of the…

A timely rainstorm helped Delaware water experts defer a decision on whether to recommend a drought watch for northern New Castle County this week but…