Drought Information Statement for Central Pennsylvania 
Valid July 17, 2026
Issued by: National Weather Service State College

30-day precipitation has been above average across the Laurel Highlands, southern Alleghenies, and portions of the Lower Susquehanna Valley, with near to below average precipitation observed elsewhere.

The latest CPC Seasonal Drought Outlook calls for some improvement in the existing drought conditions across south-central Pennsylvania through late Summer and early Fall.

U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent for Central Pennsylvania:
D2 (Severe Drought): Franklin, York, Lancaster
D1 (Moderate Drought): Adams, Cumberland, Fulton, Lebanon
D0 (Abnormally Dry): Bedford, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Perry, Juniata, Schuylkill

One-Week Drought Monitor Class Change:
One category improvement was seen across portions of the Lower Susquehanna Valley thanks to recent rainfall.

Hydrologic Impacts:
The Laurel Highlands and southern Alleghenies saw above average precipitation over the past 30 days, while it has generally been drier than average elsewhere (with isolated exceptions).

Agricultural Impacts:
0 to 100 centimeter soil moisture continues to be well below average across the Lower Susquehanna, Cumberland and Lebanon valleys, and deficits are growing across far northwestern Pennsylvania as well as the middle and upper Susquehanna Valley.

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

Other Impacts:
There are no countywide burn bans in effect across Central Pennsylvania.

Mitigation Actions:
There are both voluntary and mandatory water restrictions in place for some communities across mainly south-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 south-central Pennsylvania counties. (The NWS does not declare Drought Watches or Warnings.)

Agricultural Conditions:
0 to 100 centimeter soil moisture continues to be well below average across the Lower Susquehanna, Cumberland and Lebanon valleys, and deficits are growing across far northwestern Pennsylvania as well as the middle and upper Susquehanna Valley.

Fire Hazard Impacts:
The significant wildfire potential is near average for Central Pennsylvania for the month of July 2026.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:
The seven day precipitation forecast for July 15 to 22 calls for anywhere from three quarters of an inch up to one and a half inches across most of Central Pennsylvania, which is near to slightly above average.

8-14 Day Outlook:
The 8 to 14 day outlook for late July predicts a trend towards below average temperatures and above average rainfall across Central Pennsylvania. The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage.

Drought Outlook
The drought across portions of south-central Pennsylvania is expected to improve over the next few months, although some dryness may remain. The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage.

The next update to this Drought Information Statement will be issued by July 31, 2026.