Drought Information

Read the latest Drought Statement
from NWS State College.

Are we below normal for precipitation?

Departure from Normal Maps
(from the MARFC)

• Useful links:
• Drought Monitoring Tools
• See the Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal Drought Outlook
• U.S. Drought Monitor
• Climate Diagnostics Center - Monitoring Drought
• Current Palmer Drought Index Map
  Read an explanation/definition of the Palmer Drought (Severity) Index.
• Check out the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) homepage.

Drought declarations/cancellations are made at the State level (the Governor/DEP Secretary) through guidance provided by the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) using data, analyses, and forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It should also be noted that local municipalities and water authorities can ask for voluntary water conservation by their customers, and even impose mandatory restrictions, outside of Drought Declarations.

What can we normally expect for rainfall?:
See Maps of Normal Monthly and Yearly Precipitation for Pennsylvania.

What are streamflows like right now?
USGS, Daily Streamflow Map.

What are well levels like right now?
USGS, PA GroundWater Well Levels.

How much precipitation have we been getting the last few years?
Generate plots of Statewide Precipitation (or Temperature) trends: