Drought in Luzerne, Pennsylvania

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared Severe Drought over the southwest portion of the county as a result of insufficient rainfall during the past 90 days coupled with low streamflows, groundwater levels and drier than average soil moisture. The drought area expanded to include all of the eastern and southern portion of the county during the second week of November.

Warmer than average temperatures during the previous three months along with insufficient rainfall, much below average streamflows, groundwater levels and dried out soil conditions prompted the development of Severe Drought conditions in parts of Northeastern PA. Conditions reached this drought threshold during the first week and held steady through the 30th.