Drought Conditions Worsen in Parts of the Commonwealth

Drought conditions worsen in parts of the Commonwealth

After the February 18, 2026, meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force,

several changes were made to the prior drought declaration.

 The following counties have been issued a Drought Watch: Allegheny, Blair,

Bucks, Centre, Columbia, Dauphin, Delaware, Montgomery, Montour,

Philadelphia, and York.

 The following counties have had their drought status elevated to Drought

Warning: Adams, Berks, Carbon, Chester, Cumberland, Franklin, Huntington,

Juniata, Lancaster, Lehigh, Mifflin, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry,

Schuylkill, Union.

These changes reflect worsening conditions across Pennsylvania. Several areas of the

Commonwealth—particularly in the south-central and eastern parts of the

Commonwealth—continue to experience declining groundwater levels and persistent

precipitation deficits.

Residents should always pay attention to any information they receive from their local

water supplier. Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to

ask residents to continue conservation measures.

Remember, we should all be seeking to reduce water use by about 5 % in drought

watch and about 10-15% in drought warning conditions through voluntary conservation

measures.

For more information view:

Interstate Water Resources Management Division

Drought Information

(Last updated February 19, 2026)