Drought Information Statement for Central Pennsylvania 
Valid February 27, 2026
Issued by: National Weather Service State College
Contact Information: ctp.stormreports@noaa.gov
Thie next update to this Drought Information Statement will be issued by March 13, 2026.

Much of central Pennsylvania remains abnormally dry, with many areas in Moderate (D1) drought and isolated pockets of Severe (D2) drought.

Although some short-term improvement is possible, drought conditions are largely expected to persist across much of central Pennsylvania through the end of May 2026.

U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent for Central Pennsylvania:
D2 (Severe Drought): Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Adams, Schuylkill
D1 (Moderate Drought): Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Somerset, Cumberland, York, Lancaster
D0 (Abnormally Dry): Warren, McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Cambria

One-Week Change in Drought Intensity:
Some improvement was observed over the past 7 days in north-central Pennsylvania and along the Mason-Dixon line.

30-Day Precipitation and Percent of Average:
30-day precipitation was generally below average across central Pennsylvania.

7-Day & 30-Day Temperature Anomalies:
7-day temperature anomalies were generally above to well above average, while 30-day temperature anomalies were below to well below average.

Hydrologic Impacts:
Much of the ice on central Pennsylvania’s waterways has begun to melt or move, with some ice jam issues observed.

Agricultural Impacts:
Soil moisture conditions remain abnormally dry across south-central Pennsylvania, with near to above average soil moisture observed across north-central Pennsylvania and the western highlands. See slide 8 for details on regional soil moisture.

Fire Hazard Impacts:
The significant wildfire potential outlook remains near average across Pennsylvania for March 2026.

Other Impacts:
As of February 2, 2026, there were no county burn bans in effect across Pennsylvania.

Mitigation Actions:
There are both voluntary and mandatory water restrictions in place for some communities across central Pennsylvania. Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.

Latest PA drought designations:
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Drought Watches and Warnings for several central Pennsylvania counties. (The NWS does not declare Drought Watches or Warnings.)

Agricultural Conditions:
Soil moisture conditions remain abnormally dry across south-central Pennsylvania, with near to above average soil moisture observed across north-central Pennsylvania and the western highlands.

Fire Hazard Impacts:
The significant wildfire potential outlook remains near average across Pennsylvania for March 2026.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:
7-day liquid-equivalent precipitation ranges from a quarter to a half an inch across far northern Pennsylvania to three quarters to one inch across southern Pennsylvania.

8-14 Day Outlook:
The 8-14 day outlook calls for above average temperatures and precipitation across central Pennsylvania. The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage.

Drought Outlook:
Drought conditions are largely expected to persist across much of central and eastern Pennsylvania through the end of May 2026. The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage.