Drought Information Statement for Central Pennsylvania 
Valid July 31, 2026
Issued by: National Weather Service State College

30-day precipitation was generally above average across the northern and western highlands and the southern tier, and below average in the middle Susquehanna Valley.

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, southern Huntingdon
D0 (Abnormally Dry): Bedford, Dauphin, Perry, Juniata, Schuylkill

One-Week Change in Drought Intensity:
Marginal improvement was observed on the western edge of the lingering drought in Bedford and Huntingdon counties.

Hydrologic Impacts:
30-day precipitation was generally above average across the northern and western highlands and the southern tier, and below average in the middle Susquehanna Valley.

Agricultural Impacts:
100-centimeter soil moisture remains below to well below average across the Susquehanna Valley, with much of the western highlands seeing above average soil moisture.

Fire Hazard Impacts:
The significant wildfire potential outlook remains near average across Pennsylvania for August 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) continues Drought Watches and Warnings for several south-central Pennsylvania counties. (The NWS does not declare Drought Watches or Warnings.)

Agricultural Conditions:
100-centimeter soil moisture remains below to well below average across the Susquehanna Valley, with much of the western highlands seeing above average soil moisture.

Fire Hazard Impacts:
The Significant Wildfire Potential Outlook is near average for August 2026.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:
The 7-day forecast calls for between three quarters of an inch and one and a half inches of rainfall across Central Pennsylvania, which is near to slightly above average for this time of year.

8-14 Day Outlook:
The 8-14 day outlook calls for a trend towards above average temperatures and above average precipitation for 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 August 14, 2026.