UNITED STATES — A new six-month precipitation analysis reveals a worsening drought pattern across the Mid-Atlantic, with Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey all running significantly below normal rainfall since August. The data highlights a persistent lack of moisture that has developed quietly through fall and winter, raising growing concerns as the region approaches spring.
Large portions of the interior Mid-Atlantic now fall into moderate to severe precipitation deficit categories, indicating that recent cold snaps and weak storm systems have failed to deliver meaningful moisture.
Six-Month Rainfall Totals Running Well Below Average
The 180-day precipitation data shows widespread deficits ranging from 5 to more than 11 inches below normal across much of the region. Central Virginia and central West Virginia stand out as some of the hardest-hit areas, with several counties measuring 50 to 75 percent below average rainfall, highlighted in red on the map.
Parts of Maryland and southern Pennsylvania also show notable deficits, generally ranging from 7 to 10 inches below normal, while Delaware and New Jersey remain below average despite slightly higher coastal totals…