News10 reports that New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation has expanded a drought watch to most of the state, encouraging residents to conserve water during the coming weeks. The Adirondacks are the only part of the state left out of the drought watch. There are no mandatory restrictions yet, but a further lack of rain would change that. “While recent rains have helped, severe dry conditions continue to persist across the state,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “New Yorkers should take steps to conserve water whenever possible in the areas now under a designated drought watch. Simple steps to reduce water consumption will be crucial to our efforts to help prevent any increased drought levels.” Officials also warn that wildfire risk is high, and to be careful with any outdoor fires. The City of Kingston is under a locally declared drought emergency with unnecessary water usage prohibited. Pittsfield, in western Massachusetts, announced mandatory water restrictions beginning Aug. 8. And the Village of Catskill is now under a Drought Emergency Ban, with no washing cars, sidewalks, watering lawns, or filling swimming pools allowed. Read more about this story at the News10 website.