Drought in Luzerne, Pennsylvania

The U.S. Drought Monitor maintained the Severe Drought status over the southern half 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. Severe conditions retracted somewhat with just a small portion of the far south, near Hazleton, remaining in status while the rest of the county improved through the 31st.

Warmer than average temperatures during the previous three months along with insufficient rainfall, much below average streamflows, groundwater levels and dried out soil conditions continued Severe Drought conditions in parts of Northeastern PA. Conditions lingered through the 17th in Lackawanna, Pike and Wayne counties when sufficient precipitation allowed for a reduction in drought severity back to just abnormally dry conditions. Severe drought continued through the 31st for a small portion of southern Luzerne county.