Philadelphia, Pa. – Persistent drought is tightening its grip across the Mid-Atlantic, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing worsening conditions in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and much of Delaware. Dry soils and low streamflows have become common, prompting growing concern for water supplies and late-season agriculture.
According to the National Weather Service’s Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, the region has seen expanding areas of “moderate” and “severe” drought over the past week. The latest data released Thursday highlight the driest zones stretching from the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia suburbs into southern New Jersey and northern Delaware. Soil moisture deficits are now limiting fall planting and stressing trees already weakened by a hot summer.
The NWS reports that rainfall is expected to return early next week as a coastal system pushes up the East Coast. Some heavy rain is possible Monday into Tuesday, especially near I-95, but officials caution that it will not be a “drought buster.” River levels may rise briefly, yet much of the precipitation will be absorbed by parched ground.
Residents are urged to conserve water and monitor updates from local utilities. The Maryland Department of the Environment and Delaware Emergency Management recommend reducing outdoor watering, checking for household leaks, and avoiding unnecessary vehicle washing. Farmers are advised to maintain irrigation where possible and protect vulnerable crops.
Even as a few showers move in next week, the long-term outlook suggests continued below-normal rainfall for much of the Mid-Atlantic into mid-October.
