Drought Information Statement for Central Pennsylvania 
Valid August 7, 2026
Issued by: National Weather Service State College

Recent precipitation has generated minor improvement across portions of south-central Pennsylvania. The latest CPC Seasonal Drought Outlook calls for continued 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): eastern Bedford, southern Huntingdon, Dauphin, Perry, Schuylkill

One-Week Drought Monitor Class Change:
Minor improvement was observed on the northwestern edge of the lingering drought.

Hydrologic Impacts: 
30-day precipitation was well above average across portions of the southern Alleghenies, and below average across the middle and lower Susquehanna Valley.

Agricultural Impacts:
100-centimeter soil moisture remains below to well below average across the Cumberland and Susquehanna valleys, as well as across far northwestern Pennsylvania.

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) has issued a 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 Cumberland and Susquehanna valleys, as well as across far northwestern Pennsylvania. 

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

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast:
The 7-day forecast calls for one to two and a half inches of rainfall from east to west across Central Pennsylvania, which is near average to above average.

8-14 Day Outlook:
The 8-14 day outlook calls for a trend towards below 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 21, 2026.