News

Massachusetts is now under its first 'extreme drought'

BOSTON — A few local downpours this week did not help with the drought conditions across New England.

The moderate to severe drought continues over most of Massachusetts and southern New England.  The update Thursday morning upgraded parts of the Merrimack Valley and northeastern Mass. to an EXTREME DROUGHT, citing widespread rainfall deficits over 8” for the year.

According to the National Weather Service drought records, Massachusetts has never had an extreme drought. The NWS began keeping drought records in 2000.

Rainfall this weekend is expected to turn widespread and bring some benefits to the region.  Tropical downpours could result in a few inches of rain in some communities.

This will not be enough to “undo” the drought conditions but should prevent it from getting worse with the update next week.