Gov. Phil Murphy has lifted the drought warning for all of New Jersey, which had been in place since November 2024. The Coastal South Region, which includes all of Cape May County, remains under a drought watch due to deficits in groundwater and stream flow.

Severe drought conditions had plagued much of the state for more than six months.

The change in designation comes after an especially wet May that Rutgers data showed to be the wettest May in 130 years. State climatologist David Robinson said the state’s drought period included the driest fall season on record as well as the driest month on record, October 2024.

During a drought watch, like that in effect for all or parts of eight counties in the Coastal South, the focus is on voluntary reductions in demand gained through increased public awareness.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com..