This week 10.82% of Pennsylvania continues to be under a severe drought, including most of Centre County. This has not changed since last week. This week now 50.38% of Pennsylvania is under a moderate drought which is up from the 46.40% last week. This means that there was only a slight change in the drought compared to last week. This past week we had a bit of rain and the drought monitor reflects that. The drought monitor data is put in on Tuesday’s and then the updated map comes out every Thursday during the 8 AM hour.
Centre County continues under a severe drought. Small portions of Blair, Clearfield and Huntingdon counties are under a severe drought too.
Most of Blair, Jefferson, Elk, Cambria, Clearfield, Cameron, and Huntingdon Counties are in a moderate drought.
Portions of Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford counties are abnormally dry.
In a severe drought, warnings can be issued for outdoor burns, air quality can be poor. Also water quality can go down, and water restrictions can be implemented.
In a moderate drought, the wildfire potential increases, honey production declines, and there is a stress on plants and fish. It is also requested that residents voluntarily start to conserve water.
