Local

Parts of Massachusetts under ‘extreme’ drought

FRANKLIN, Mass. — A good portion of the state remains in drought conditions. Parts of Massachusetts are categorized as “extreme” drought. Take a walk through any wooded area and you can hear the crunching from dry brush.

“It’s really bad we need rain. Everything is wilting," said Chris Gorman of Wrentham.

Our Boston 25 Meteorologists say it is the 17th driest year on record in Boston.

Rainfall in Boston is more than 8 inches below average.  Many towns have water bans or restrictions.  

Franklin Deputy Fire Chief is urging people who are having small gatherings outside during the pandemic to be extra vigilant with backyard fires.  

“With everything so dry it doesn’t take much really to get it going. Keep the fire itself very small. Don’t go putting gigantic logs on there," said Deputy Chief James Klich.

Gusty winds this weekend could also make an out of control fire spread quickly.

“If you start seeing things blowing around and starting to travel. The best thing is to just call it night,” said Klich.

Our meteorologists say the lack of snow this past winter put the drought in motion months ago. The heavy rains we did get just turned into runoff. Only a slow soaking rain will help right now.

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