Drought Information Statement for Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania Valid August 1, 2024 Issued By: NWS Pittsburgh, PA This product will be updated August, 15, 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. Extreme drought continues across Tucker county, WV. Some expansion of moderate and severe drought across eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania Some improvement across the northern WV Panhandle and eastern OH 1 Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 PM National Weather Service U.S. Drought Monitor Key Messaging Extreme Drought Conditions continue in the eastern WV Panhandle including Tucker County. Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): No Change D2 (Severe Drought): northern Tucker county WV, portions eastern Ohio and Fayette and Westmoreland counties in PA D1 (Moderate Drought): expanded north in both OH and PA. D0 (Abnormally Dry): encompasses the remaining area except a portion of 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 30, 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: Conditions continue to worsen due to general lack of precipitation over the last several weeks. Some rain in the last 7 days did lead to some minor improvements over the northern WV panhandle. No Change: Northwestern PA and some areas in the northern fringes of the Pittsburgh forecast area in Ohio. Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map valid July 30, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 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 31, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 PM National Weather Service Observed Temperature Temperatures have been near normal across eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania over the past 7 days and slightly above normal during the last 30 days. The combination of warm temperatures and lack of rainfall continues to contribute to 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 27, 2024 Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Main Takeaways Streamflows remain much below normal across much of the Cheat, Youghiogheny, Monongahela, upper Ohio, and Muskingum river basins. Reservoir levels are closer to levels of late October (near winter pool). Impacts Some navigational impacts and concerns. Recreation on some lakes being impacted by closing of boat launches and marinas. Algae bloom observed in Youghiogheny reservoir. Image Caption: USGS 14 day average streamflow versus Historical Average Streamflows map valid July 31, 2024 Soil Moisture Soil Moisture remains below normal Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 PM National Weather Service Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows remain well below normal in both the last 14 and 30 day timeframes. Some recreational activities are being impacted. 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. If drought persists, there is an increased risk for brush fires. At this time, a burn ban is in place in two townships in Westmoreland County. WAFS/NIFC Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions None reported. Fire Hazard Impacts Summarize conditions/impacts here Latest TX Burn Ban map available here. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Summarize forecast here Image Caption: NWS WPC 7 Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast map valid |**Month YYYY**| Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Summarize conditions and impacts here Image Caption: CPC Day 8-14 Hazards Outlook map valid |**Month YYYY**| Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage While the precipitation signal isn't extremely wet, there does appear to be a better chance for above normal precipitation (33%) during the next two weeks. In addition, temperatures are projected to be near or slightly below normal with the pattern in place. This should help slow drought deterioration or begin to improve conditions. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Summarize conditions/impacts here Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 PM National Weather Service Drought Outlook Monthly Drought Outlook valid for |**Insert Date**| ||**Insert Quick Summary Message**|| Information on the latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage. Seasonal Drought Outlook valid for |**Insert Date**| ||**Insert Quick Summary Message**|| Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 2024 5:09 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 There should be some improvement in drought conditions given the 8-14 day and 3-4 week outlooks but it will be contingent on the actual amount of rain that we receive during the month. Drought conditions are more likely to improve within the next 3 months.