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USGS groundwater and surface water monitoring data contributed to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (PaDEP) January 20, 2023 lifting of the drought watch for all Pennsylvania counties. The drought watch was first declared on August 31, 2022.
Streamflow and groundwater levels, National Weather Service data on precipitation, and Climate Prediction Center calculations of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (for soil moisture dryness) are used as indicators that help determine drought status. Trends in the USGS-provided information can be explored via our Web Tool.