​While the region gained some ground in terms of precipitation, it remained in a moderate drought according to the US. Drought Monitor’s map released Thursday, June 29.  

A narrow swath in the middle of the state had a few counties listed as just abnormally dry, but most of western and southeastern Pennsylvania were still in a moderate drought.
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However, river and creek levels showed improvement. According to the United States Geological Survey’s gauges the Allegheny River at Franklin, Oil Creek at Rouseville and French Creek at Utica were at normal levels. The Allegheny River at West Hickory was listed at below normal levels for this time of year.

Precipitation-wise Franklin was slowly seeping up to normal levels according to climate data provided by the National Weather Service.

The total accumulation from January until June 29, was listed at 21.06 inches with the normal range being 22.14 inches.  
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This June’s monthly total, excluding June 30, was listed as 3.87 inches which was shy of the normal total of 4.70 inches for June.

The forecast for the area over the next several days includes the possibility of showers and storms.

Perhaps July’s pending rainfall will be able to help the region leave the moderate drought designation behind.

​That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

Wednesday's weather brought low visibility, bad air and some different smells. 

An air quality alert was issued for western Pennsylvania and was in effect until 12 a.m. Thursday. 

The alert was issued by the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
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"A code red means air pollution concentrations are unhealthy for general population. Try to minimize outdoor activities while under a code red alert," said a post from the National Weather Service office in Pittsburgh. 

Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm, who is based in Youngstown, Ohio, posted on his Facebook page Wednesday that it was “Very likely that today's air quality is the worst our region as a whole has experienced in the 21st century.”

A Facebook post from meteorologist Chris Easlick with WNEM-TV5 of Saginaw, Michigan, was shared many times on Wednesday.
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Easlick was able to get some information on why the forest fire smoke didn't necessarily smell like wood smoke. Easlick gained the information from a contact at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy who asked their toxicologist for an answer on the burning plastic smell from the smoke.
Here it is from the toxicology department:
‘Wood fires emit a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most of these VOCs are noticeable to our noses as the familiar "campfire" smell, but they break down quickly when exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Other VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde and acrolein are also released and they outlast the "campfire" VOCs. It's these chemical compounds that you're smelling as the smoke wafts around for a few days and settles to the ground and reaches your nose," Easlick reported in his post. 

Meanwhile Wednesday's view across the hills of Fertigs was just some trees and mysterious shapes in the haze. It was a far cry from last week's picturesque farm scene.

​That's just the nature of things 'round here. 

Those with outdoor plans for this weekend were most likely not delighted with the high possibility of precipitation in the forecast. However, the U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday still had much of Pennsylvania listed as in a moderate drought. While last week's rain didn't improve the situation in much of the state, a few regions saw an upgrade. Areas in the northeastern part of the state, the southwestern corner and Cambria County were listed as abnormally dry rather than in moderate drought. 

The precipitation that fell last week appeared to have temporarily lifted river levels. However, they have fallen back. The United States Geological Survey's river level gauges on Thursday listed the Allegheny River at Franklin and West Hickory at below normal levels. Oil Creek at Rouseville and French Creek at Utica receded to much below normal.

Specifically, the Allegheny River at Franklin has remained steady at around 3 feet. The reading for Thursday evening was 2.91 feet. 

June’s rains brought the region closer to normal level of 20.99 inches for this time period. As of June 22, the National Weather Service's data for Franklin was listing a total of 19.04 inches. How much rain will the region receive this weekend? Will it be enough to lift the state out of the moderate drought designation? Only nature knows. That's just the nature of things 'round here. 

Despite some rainy days, the region was still in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. drought monitor map released Thursday, June 15. However, the cutoff date for the date for the graphic was Tuesday, June 13. So the map did not include the rainfall that the region received after that. 

While there was a chance of rain forecasted for Tuesday, a drought watch was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection on June 15.
"While not required, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing their nonessential water use ... No county is in drought warning or emergency status at this time," the DEP said in the news release. 

For helpful information, see this Penn State Extension guide. Or just set out a bucket to capture water in the event of rain,and reuse it to water plants or the bird bath."

​The release also mentioned the threat of fires during the dry times.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources urged Pennsylvanians to be aware of increased fire risk.
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 "Low precipitation has dramatically increased the number of wildfires in Pennsylvania this year. There have already been 1,400 wildfires reported statewide so far in 2023, compared to 1,036 in all of 2022. This year’s wildfires have burned more than 8,500 acres, compared to 2,700 acres in 2022," the release stated. 

Meanwhile, the neighbor's pond has been a hotspot for deer lately as the vernal pools and spring springs have been drying up. 

Will the region continue to dry out or recover from drought conditions? Only Mother Nature knows for sure. 
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center's eight to 14-day outlook for June 25 through July 1 called for slightly above normal precipitation. However, Mother Nature tends to not always follow the forecasts.

​That's just the nature of things 'round here. 

In 2013, Franklin received 1.97 inches of rain in May. This year’s rainfall in May was only slightly higher than that total with two inches of rain measured.

According to a chart on weather.gov, the normal precipitation for May is four inches. Last year’s rainfall was 5.27 inches.

So, it was no wonder that this May appeared to be very dry.
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In 2017, the highest total precipitation for May was reported as 6.91 inches of rain.

​However, a quick check of the airport weather station on Monday only showed a total of .47 inches for the day. The weather service additionally predicted more rain for Tuesday evening. A graphic put Franklin in line to possibly receive .46 to .95 inches of rain. ​

​Hopefully the weather system that was forecast to bring rain to our region will also bring relief for the wildfire-stricken parts of Canada.

The smoke from the raging fires prompted several air quality alerts across the state last week. The region was lucky compared to Pittsburgh, Philly and other parts of the state where Facebook posts showed photos reminiscent of a red Martian landscape.
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The dry weather additionally elicited a few special weather statements in the past weeks about burning and the possibility of wildfires. Gusty winds and low humidity were unfortunately the perfect combination for the threat of fire.

​As I sat there Sunday night waiting for the rain, I watched the radar with dismay as some of it went around my location. However, it did seem like it was headed toward Canada where there was no doubt that the rain was needed the most.

​That’s just the nature of things ’round here.