Torrential rains ease fear of drought in N.J.

All the rain over the weekend is easing concern about a drought in New Jersey.

State climatologist Dave Robinson says rainfall measuring up to three inches around the Garden State has boosted ground water levels and soil moisture. That has reduced the threat of wildfires.

Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergy specialist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, said the wet weather is also providing some relief for allergy sufferers.

“It’s going to give a reprieve for this week. The moisture is scrubbing the air,” Bielory said. “The rain now hitting the pollen plants will actually make the pollen wet and maintain them on the trees and the grass.”

Bielory cautions, though, that the worst of the allergy season may be yet to come when the trees and plants dry out again and send out even more pollen.