Burlington, VT – Residents across the Northeast are facing worsening drought conditions this week, with parts of Vermont now experiencing severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, September 11, 2025.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, large portions of northern New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, are seeing intensifying dryness. A section of central Vermont is currently classified under D2, or severe drought, while much of Maine and eastern Vermont remain in D1, moderate drought.
The report shows that abnormally dry conditions (D0) extend across wide areas of New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Western Pennsylvania and parts of Maryland are also under moderate drought, raising concerns for agriculture, local water supplies, and fall foliage season.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly, tracks dryness across the country and is used by farmers, water managers, and local officials to determine drought response. Officials warn that unless rainfall increases in the coming weeks, the region could see heightened impacts, including crop stress, reduced groundwater levels, and higher wildfire risk heading into fall.
The map, based on data valid through September 9, highlights the Northeast as one of several U.S. regions facing worsening drought. Residents are encouraged to follow local water-use advisories and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
