Ongoing dry weather has not yet caused the Department of Environmental Protection to issue any drought watches or warnings for Pennsylvania, but that day could be coming soon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that 45 percent of the commonwealth is currently experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions. Portions of five southcentral counties and at least eight southeastern counties currently have “persistent” drought conditions, although DEP still lists all of the state’s counties having “normal” rather than “drought” conditions.
NOAA says June was the 13th driest month in the last 130 years for Indiana County, with precipitation down 2.16 inches from normal. Still, January to June was the 11th wettest six months on record, with 5.25 inches of precipitation more than normal.
One more stat reflecting the recent dry weather: 63 of the state’s 67 counties are rated as being at “moderate” risk of wildfires. Only Warren, McKean, Forest and Elk counties are rated as being at “normal” risk, but just three days ago, there were 25 at normal risk and 42 were moderate.
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