Impact of drought on regional bee populations

HINTON, WV (WVNS) — As West Virginia's drought conditions improve, the status of local bee populations is under scrutiny. The state emerged from a severe drought in July 2026, as reported by drought.gov. Although recent rainfall and blooming flora might suggest a thriving bee environment, Mark Lilly, Head Beekeeper of the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective, emphasizes that the weather impacting bees occurred 30 to 60 days prior.