Parts Of Massachusetts Facing 'Extreme' Drought Conditions

Parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties are now dealing with an "extreme" drought and persistent dry conditions span most of the state, threatening crops, diminishing air quality, and forcing water conservation measures.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that 6.76 percent of the state — most of Bristol County and a sliver in western Plymouth County — is under an "extreme" drought while 30.37 percent of the state is facing a "severe" drought and another 49.85 percent of the state contends with a "moderate" drought." Only the northwestern corner of the state is properly hydrated, the Monitor said.

"The meteorological summer (June-August) of 2020 was one of the hottest and driest on record in parts of the Northeast," Brad Rippey of the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote in the monitor's weekly summary. "Given the protracted period of heat and dryness, drought continues to expand and intensify in many areas."

In August, the state declared a Level 2 drought for all regions, and dry conditions have persisted. That declaration was reaffirmed earlier this month and state officials said Level 2 means that "conditions are becoming significantly dry and warrant detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, emphasis on water conservation, more stringent watering restrictions, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities."

"Although recent rain events have been helpful, the combination of four months of below normal rainfall and consistently above normal temperatures throughout the summer have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said. "All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of brush and wildland fire when using any fire or smoking materials."