Spring Drought Conditions in Southcentral and Eastern PA

Due to the low levels of precipitation seen across region this spring, as of April 23, 2026 USDA designated 9 Maryland Counties as Natural Disaster Areas with 7 contiguous Pennsylvania counties (Adams, Bedford, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Somerset, York) also eligible for assistance. 

As of last week (April 23, 2026), portions of 8 counties in Pennsylvania were in a D2 designated "severe drought" with over two dozen other whole or portions of counties in a D0 designated "abnormally dry" conditions (see the Pennsylvania’s US Drought Monitor Page). 

As always, localized drought conditions may occur in certain regions, and it is important to pay attention to any water conservation guidance from local municipal water authorities or suppliers.

With limited rainfall continuing in the immediate forecast for those affected regions of the state, water-saving strategies are in order prior to corn and soybean planting.  Crop residue cover should be conserved where possible to reduce soil water evaporation, and cover crops may need to be terminated to prevent them from depleting soil moisture.  Knowing your soil type and its available water supply will help you determine sensible management strategies.  Less rainfall can also lead to low stream flow and deficits in groundwater levels, affecting livestock water supplies and pasture conditions.  Overall crop growth could be stunted if conditions persist, particularly in existing hay fields and pastures, potentially resulting in lower first-cutting yields.

Conditions in northern Pennsylvania have been far more variable. USDA has declared drought and excessive heat conditions in some counties in New York, making the contiguous counties of Susquehanna and Wayne in Pennsylvania eligible for assistance. In contrast, portions of Potter and Tioga Counties have recently experienced significant flash flooding, and federal disaster assistance is available there as well. This sharp contrast underscores the importance of monitoring hyper‑local conditions, as producers in northern counties may be managing either moisture deficits or flood‑related damage depending on their location.