Caribou, ME – Drought conditions are worsening across northern and eastern Maine, with state and federal officials reporting significant expansion in both coverage and severity this week.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, data released Thursday shows drought coverage across Maine jumped from 77.93% last week to 86.9% as of Tuesday. Moderate drought (D1) or worse increased from 41.1% to 62.67%, while severe drought (D2) grew from 7.05% to 10.93%. Maine’s Drought Severity and Coverage Index climbed from 126 to 160 out of 500 in just seven days.
The National Weather Service in Caribou said the lack of summer rainfall has dropped rivers and streams to historically low levels, with some farmers reporting drying conditions in blueberry and potato fields. Officials noted the worsening drought could continue to impact agriculture, increase wildfire risks and strain water resources into September.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map for the Northeast shows abnormally dry to severe drought conditions expanding across portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northern New York. However, Maine has seen the sharpest jump in drought intensity in the region.
The National Drought Mitigation Center added that farmers have been forced to make difficult irrigation choices as water supplies tighten, with crop damage already evident in certain areas. Officials are urging residents to monitor water usage as conditions evolve.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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