Philadelphia's dry stretch approaches record

State of play: The last day of measurable precipitation in Philly was on Sept. 28, Paul Fitzsimmons, lead meteorologist at the region's Nation Weather Service station, tells Axios.

The caveat: A "trace" of precipitation was seen Thursday at Philadelphia International Airport measuring less than 0.01 inches, Fitzsimmons says.

🌧️ Fun fact: Philly's normal October precipitation is 3.4 inches, per NWS.

Flashback: October 1924 remains Philly's driest, when a mere 0.09 inches of precipitation was measured.

What's ahead: No precipitation is expected through Halloween on Thursday, Fitzsimmons says.

• The region has a 30% chance of showers early Friday but that's Nov. 1.

The intrigue: There are conflicting reports about whether Philly and the region are in a drought.

• The state's Department of Environmental Protection has not declared a drought for the region.

Yes, but: The U.S. Drought Monitor lists portions of the region experiencing either "moderate drought" or "severe drought."