Drought concern in western Pennsylvania for first time in years

PITTSBURGH — Weeks of dry conditions have prompted the US Drought Monitor to put much of western Pennsylvania in the "abnormally dry" category. 

This is the first time in several years we have had any drought concerns in our area.  

Much of the WPXI-TV viewing area is two to three inches of rain below normal since June 1, with some area not having any rain in the last ten days. 

Parts of Westmoreland, Fayette and southeastern Indiana counties in the Laurel Highlands are now in a “moderate drought”. 

Dry conditions can quickly lower the water table in the ground and make agriculture difficult over long periods of time.

Rain chances are very low the next couple of days with a better chance of a decent soaking rain Saturday. 

Some places will pick up more than an inch of rain this weekend.

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Heat advisory and Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday (7/9/20) Heat advisory and Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday (7/9/20)

Cox Media Group