Three local counties are no longer under drought watches.

Carbon, Schuylkill and Monroe counties are now experiencing “normal” conditions, according to the latest information from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The three counties had been under drought warnings at the beginning of the year. All were eased to less severe drought watches in April.

Lehigh and Northampton counties, however, remain under drought watches.

“Conditions have improved in southern Pennsylvania. However, there is still significant recovery needed in many areas of Pennsylvania, which is why Watch and Warning Declarations continue in many counties,” according to DEP.

The DEP update notes that 49 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have returned to “normal” status. In April, only 20 counties were experiencing normal conditions.

According to DEP, 15 counties remain under drought watches and four are in drought warnings.

No counties are under drought warnings.

To determine drought declarations, DEP looks at stream flow, groundwater levels, precipitation and soil moisture.

— Jill Whalen