CARIBOU, ME — Maine is now facing one of its most severe dry spells in recent years, with drought conditions spreading rapidly across the northern and eastern parts of the state. According to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, both the coverage and intensity of the drought have surged within just one week.
From falling water levels to struggling farms, the impacts are becoming clearer—and more urgent—by the day.
Drought Conditions Expand Across the State
As of this Tuesday, 86.9% of Maine is experiencing some level of drought, a sharp rise from 77.93% just a week ago. More concerning is the increase in more serious drought categories:
Moderate drought (D1) or worse jumped from 41.1% to 62.67%
Severe drought (D2) rose from 7.05% to 10.93%
Maine’s overall Drought Severity and Coverage Index climbed from 126 to 160 (out of 500) in just seven days
These numbers highlight just how quickly the situation is deteriorating.
Low Rainfall Hits Rivers, Streams, and Farms
The National Weather Service in Caribou reports that many rivers and streams in Maine have dropped to historically low levels after a dry summer. This is having direct consequences for farmers, especially those growing blueberries and potatoes, two of the state’s key crops.
“Some of our blueberry fields are showing stress earlier than normal,” one Aroostook County farmer said. “We’re having to choose where to irrigate and where to let things go.”
Rising Risk of Wildfires and Water Shortages
Officials warn that the ongoing drought could:
Hurt crop yields and delay harvests
Increase wildfire risk, especially in rural and forested areas
Strain water supplies in communities that rely on wells or rivers
With September approaching and no major rain events in the forecast, there is concern that the drought may worsen before it improves.
Regional Drought Map: Maine Hit Hardest
The U.S. Drought Monitor map for the Northeast shows a growing patch of abnormally dry to severe drought conditions stretching through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and northern New York. While several states are affected, Maine has seen the sharpest week-over-week increase in drought intensity.
Calls for Water Conservation
The National Drought Mitigation Center says farmers are already facing difficult decisions due to limited water. In some areas, visible crop damage is becoming more widespread.
Officials are urging residents across the state to:
Limit outdoor water use
Fix leaks and install water-saving devices
Avoid unnecessary irrigation or washing
Local agencies may issue water restrictions if conditions continue to worsen into September.
What to Watch in the Weeks Ahead
With no significant rain relief in sight, the situation remains volatile. The combination of hot temperatures, dry soil, and strained water resources could lead to:
Further agricultural losses
Burn bans or fire warnings
Tighter water use regulations across northern and eastern Maine
Residents, especially in affected counties, are encouraged to stay updated through local forecasts and drought reports.
