More than half of the state is in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The monitor, which updates weekly on Thursdays, indicates that a severe drought encompasses much of the state south of Greenville in Piscataquis County and the Lincoln region in Penobscot County. According to the monitor, 53 percent of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions.
Regions north of those locations are still seeing abnormally dry conditions.
Most of the state is experiencing moderate fire danger conditions, according to the Maine Forest Service. Damp conditions overnight Thursday and throughout the day Friday have dampened conditions enough to reduce the potential for major fires to break out.
The National Weather Service anticipates that parts of the state will see some rain, and possibly strong thunderstorms, throughout the day Saturday. A weather system moving northeast could bring an inch to an inch and a half of rain to central and northeastern regions Saturday.
According to University of Maine professor of forest ecosystem physiology Jay Wason, the ongoing drought conditions are stressing some trees and may impact the intensity of fall foliage. Species such as aspen and birch are more susceptible to drought effects, Wason added.
Despite the drought, much of Maine will still see vibrant fall foliage this autumn. The state’s first foliage report will be released next Wednesday/
