Western and North-Central Pennsylvania have had their Drought Watch lifted as of January 26th.

Drought declarations/cancellations are made at the State level (the Governor/DEP Secretary) through guidance provided by the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) using data, analyses, and forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It should also be noted that local municipalities and water authorities can ask for voluntary water conservation by their customers, and even impose mandatory restrictions, outside of Drought Declarations.
Useful link: Pennsylvania Department of Enviromental Protection (DEP) Drought page

Read the latest Drought Statement from NWS State College.

Other useful links:

• Drought Monitoring Tools
• See the Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal Drought Outlook
• U.S. Drought Monitor
• Climate Diagnostics Center - Monitoring Drought
• Current Palmer Drought Index Map
  Read an explaination/definition of the Palmer Drought (Severity) Index.

How much precipitation have we been getting the last few days/weeks/months?
Is it (or How much is it) below normal?
Days: Daily Precipitation Maps - our local precip archive page.
Monthly/seasonal: Precipitation Maps.
(Maps produced by MARFC)

What can we normally expect for rainfall?:
• See Maps of Normal Monthly and Yearly Precipitation for Pennsylvania.

What are streamflows like right now?
USGS, Daily Streamflow Map.

What are well levels like right now?
USGS, PA GroundWater Well Levels.