Caribou, ME – Large portions of Maine remain in severe to extreme drought, with several major rivers running at or near record-low levels, according to the National Weather Service in Caribou.
As of October 16, more than 73% of the state is classified in Severe (D2) or Extreme (D3) Drought, while the remainder faces Moderate (D1) conditions. The Upper St. John River, St. Francis River, and Mattawamkeag River have all reached the lowest recorded flows for this date, with some records spanning over 90 years.
Other waterways, including the Piscataquis River near Dover-Foxcroft and the Narraguagus River at Cherryfield, are approaching century-old low marks. Officials warn that continued dry conditions have led to struggling dam operations and dangerously low lake levels, prompting safety concerns for boaters and wildlife.
Though scattered rainfall is expected over the next week, meteorologists caution it will not be a “drought buster.” Residents are urged to report dry wells or declining water levels through the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s survey portal to assist in tracking local impacts.
