Montgomery County is now under severe drought conditions, marking one of the driest Octobers in recorded history, reports Justin Heinze for the Patch.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a severe drought is the third most intense category out of five. Chester, Delaware, and Bucks counties are also under severe drought warning, while other areas of southeastern Pennsylvania are experiencing moderate drought.

As drought intensifies, several Montgomery County municipalities, including Lower Providence, have enacted burn bans as dried vegetation heightens the risk of severe wildfires. The National Weather Service reports that October’s rainfall is less than half of its typical levels, exacerbating dryness across the region.

The current climate is amplifying drought conditions. Persistent heat accelerates evaporation, drying out soil and vegetation further. Conversely, warmer oceans feed more moisture into storms, making them more intense when they occur. Droughts affect more than just rainfall; groundwater levels, stream flow, and soil moisture are essential to maintaining ecological and water sustainability.

Recent significant wood and brush fires across Pennsylvania and New Jersey underline the urgency of this drought, underscoring the need for awareness and precaution as the region faces increasing wildfire risks.

Read more about the drought warning and the county’s precautions in the Patch.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO Today in October 2024.