A ban on burning is in effect until further notice in Unity.

Township supervisors and the Township Fire Bureau issued the ban late last week, citing recent dry conditions and the heightened risk of a potential fire.

Open burning, recreational fires and fireworks are prohibited during the ban.

The Pittsburgh area has experienced a rainfall deficit over the past two months.

Since June 1, 4.36 inches of rainfall was recorded in Pittsburgh, nearly 3.5 inches behind the usual rainfall amount at this point in the summer, according to Jill Szwed, meteorologist with TribLive news partner WTAE.

“This is known as a flash drought, which is defined by a rapid onset of drought conditions due to lower-than-normal rain and a run of very warm days,” Szwed said. “Drought conditions are intensifying more quickly south of Pittsburgh. However, our very wet April has kept the year-to-date rainfall above normal.

“We need rounds of a good, soaking rain to make up ground.”

This week will bring chances of isolated to scattered rain, according to Szwed. Those who do see rain could pick up a half inch at a time, she said.

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