The month of August was a very dry month for Youngstown, with only 1.35 inches of rainfall, significantly below the average of 3.24 inches, and made it the driest August at the airport since 1991.

Abnormally dry drought conditions have developed in Columbiana County, which is now under a severe drought D2 intensity, according to the National Weather Service. 

21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm said that August was Ohio’s driest on record, and locally, August 2025 goes into the record books as Columbiana County’s driest ever. 

According to the Penn State Extension, homeowners who rely on water from wells may want to conserve water until drought conditions improve. They also suggest reducing water waste by installing water-saving devices, flushing the toilet less often, taking shorter showers, only washing full loads of dishes or laundry, and collecting water from roof gutters for outside use.

The rest of the Valley is currently listed as abnormally dry with no reprieve in the next 7 days, with dry and warm temperatures predicted.

The Ohio Department of Health says during extreme droughts, private water systems such as water wells, springs, and ponds could be impacted. Property owners may need to replace or alter the private water system to ensure a safe drinking water supply.

Options could be from drilling a new well or deepening an existing well, having a backup water supply, such as an additional water storage tank, or installing a rainwater cistern.