Drought Information Statement for Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania Valid July, 18, 2024 Issued By: NWS Pittsburgh, PA Contact Information: nws.pittsburgh@noaa.gov This product will be updated August, 1, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/pbz/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Extreme drought has been introduced into Tucker county, WV. Expansion of severe drought into eastern Ohio and northern WV 1 Pittsburgh, PA July 18, 2024 4:26 PM National Weather Service U.S. Drought Monitor Key Messaging Extreme Drought Conditions have been expanded to the eastern WV Panhandle including Tucker County. Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): Tucker County D2 (Severe Drought): northern Tucker county WV, portions of the northern WV panhandle and eastern Ohio D1 (Moderate Drought): along I-70 and points south in OH, WV, and PA D0 (Abnormally Dry): encompasses the remaining area except a portion of Beaver, Lawrence, and Mercer counties in PA NEW Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor map valid July 18, 2024 Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Due to the lack of precipitation and high temperatures, much of the upper Ohio Valley went from no drought to a 2 category degradation. No Change: Only portions of three counties in western PA remain out of abnormally dry conditions. Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map valid July 18, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA July 18, 2024 4:26 PM National Weather Service Observed Precipitation Data over the past 30 days Rainfall has averaged around 1-3 inches over the upper Ohio Valley during the last 30 days. These amounts are generally around 25-50% of normal for the past 30 day period. Image Caption: Left - Precipitation Amount Map for the Mid-Atlantic Region Right - Percent of Normal Precipitation Map for the Mid-Atlantic Region Data is Courtesy of the National Centers for Environmental Information Data over the past 30 days ending July 17, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA July 18, 2024 4:26 PM National Weather Service Observed Temperature Temperatures have been well above normal across eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania over the past 30 days. The combination of higher temperatures and lack of rainfall has contributed to the rapid deterioration in drought conditions. Image Caption: Left - 7 Day Temperature Anomaly Map for the Mid-Atlantic Region Right - 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Map for the Mid-Atlantic Region Data is Courtesy of the National Centers for Environmental Information Data over the past 30 days ending July 14, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA July 18, 2024 4:26 PM National Weather Service Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts No hydrologic impacts are noted currently. Although there have been some concerns about low flows impacting navigation, action has not been taken as of yet. Area streamflows are in the 10-25th percentile based on a 28 day average. Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is at or below the 10th percentile across the upper Ohio Valley. See the NWS Climate Prediction Center Despite this, crop conditions remain in fair-good condition across the area. Some farmers are hauling water for livestock. USDA Fire Hazard Impacts The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is around 400-600, which is more indicative of late summer conditions. However, the fire risk remains low at this time. WAFS/NIFC Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions None reported. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Temperatures will remain near or slightly above average across the region over the next 2 weeks. A return of SW flow and Gulf moisture should bring a better chance for precipitation. There is a 33-40% chance for above normal precipitation in the 8-14 day time range. Pittsburgh, PA July 18, 2024 4:26 PM National Weather Service Drought Outlook Information on the latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook While short term drought should persist, and in some cases worsen, long term drought (3 months) does look to improve.