Drought warning issued for state

CHENEY — The state Department of Ecology has issued a statewide drought advisory after recording the warmest May on record as well as an abnormally dry spring.

In addition, an early summer heatwave has resulted in quickly declining water supplies across the state, an agency report said.

“Our warm weather arrived a few weeks early this year and really kicked the runoff into overdrive,” said Jeff Marti, Ecology water resources planner. “Now, as we head into the hottest weeks of the summer, we want people to use water wisely and to be aware of our water supply situation.

“This drought advisory wi...