Dry Weather Could Cancel South Norwood Tradition

The dry, warm winter could prevent a yearly Norwood tradition from happening this spring.

The annual South Norwood Rubber Duck Race is on hold while the Recreation and Public Works departments work to see if something can be done about the low water level in Hawes Brook. Organizer Linda Berger said that she wasn't sure if there was enough water in the brook for the little ducks to make it to the finish line.

According to the Norwood Recreation Department's Facebook page, "Due to the lack of precipitation this year, the ducks will face many challenges that will make it impossible to go down the river."

As The Boston Globe reported last month, meteorologists have said much of the eastern half of Massachusetts is currently experiencing drought conditions, which is rare for this time of year. The article stated that one of the driest winters on record left 18 of Massachusetts' rivers at record-low levels for the end of March, as measured by the US Geological Survey. The condition could impact fisheries, wildlife and the growing season in the state.

As of this week, the Fishing Derby portion of the April 21st event is still on, and Berger said that Mother Nature will determine the fate of the Duck Race.

The National Weather Service predicts scattered rain showers for Thursday afternoon and evening, but water accumulation will amount to less than a tenth of an inch. The same is true for Saturday's current forecast.

For more information on the Duck Race and other upcoming Norwood Recreation events follow their Facebook page. Also be sure to check out our page, and stay updated on Norwood happenings.