A deepening drought in Maine is now seeping into southern counties such as Portland and York, according to the Oct. 30 U.S. Drought Monitor report. Despite some rain last week, most of the precipitation failed to meaningfully recharge deeper soil and groundwater reserves.According to the monitor, 43% of Maine is now classified in extreme drought, while 90% of the state is experiencing at least severe drought. Although last week’s rainfall, about four inches in some places, helped slightly at the surface, the soil has become so hardened by prolonged dryness that much of the water simply ran off. The result leaves little improvement in the underground water supply. Once soils freeze in the coming weeks, any future precipitation will likely do even less to replenish aquifers.Southern Maine, including York and Cumberland counties, is being hit especially hard. Streams across the region are at record-low flows for this time of year, and folks with well water are increasingly reporting drop-offs in water levels. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s classification reflects these worsening conditions.Agriculture in Maine is being heavily impacted. Hay yields are shrinking, and crop stress is mounting as wells run low.Wildfire concerns remain elevated, too.
PORTLAND, Maine —
A deepening drought in Maine is now seeping into southern counties such as Portland and York, according to the Oct. 30 U.S. Drought Monitor report. Despite some rain last week, most of the precipitation failed to meaningfully recharge deeper soil and groundwater reserves.
According to the monitor, 43% of Maine is now classified in extreme drought, while 90% of the state is experiencing at least severe drought.
Although last week’s rainfall, about four inches in some places, helped slightly at the surface, the soil has become so hardened by prolonged dryness that much of the water simply ran off. The result leaves little improvement in the underground water supply. Once soils freeze in the coming weeks, any future precipitation will likely do even less to replenish aquifers.
Southern Maine, including York and Cumberland counties, is being hit especially hard. Streams across the region are at record-low flows for this time of year, and folks with well water are increasingly reporting drop-offs in water levels. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s classification reflects these worsening conditions.
Agriculture in Maine is being heavily impacted. Hay yields are shrinking, and crop stress is mounting as wells run low.
Wildfire concerns remain elevated, too.
