1.8 Million Pennsylvanians Affected by Drought Despite Record July Rainfall
Pennsylvania is experiencing mixed drought conditions, with 1.8 million residents in affected areas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While July 2026 was the wettest on record with 4.94 inches (125 mm) of precipitation, 0.75 inches (19 mm) above normal, the January-to-July period remains one of the driest since 1895. Total precipitation for the year so far is 25.03 inches (636 mm), a slight deficit of 0.04 inches (1 mm) from the norm. These conditions highlight the variability of drought impacts across the state.