Dry Summer
A large portion of the region saw below-normal precipitation during summer.
The lack of rain, combined with above normal temperatures during the last three months, resulted in drought conditions in many parts of the Northeast. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and the western panhandle of Maryland are in extreme or severe drought, while most of New Jersey is experiencing severe or moderate drought conditions. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection put 24 counties under a drought warning and the rest of the state under a drought watch as abnormally dry to severe conditions lowered ground and surface water levels. Drought-related reports from around the region include reduced crop yields, smaller fruit size and early drop, local water restrictions and increased fire risk. While dry and sunny conditions are generally good for tourism, quite a few boat launch ramps are closed due to reduced water levels in lakes and reservoirs.