Extreme drought conditions have extended to Down East Maine due to an ongoing lack of significant rainfall.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, at least 75% of the state has been impacted by drought conditions for the past month.
As of Thursday morning, 100% of the state was experiencing baseline drought conditions; 60% is experiencing a severe drought; and nearly 17% of the state is considered to be experiencing extreme drought conditions.
The continuous drought has had lasting effects throughout the state, with more than 170 Mainers reporting dry wells last week. Around half of the state relies on wells, whether they are drilled down through bedrock or are dug closer to the state.
According to Nick Stasulis, co-chair of Maine’s Drought Task Force, Maine is around 5 to 10 inches “behind” in rain that would stabilize the water table.
And there’s no drought-ending rainfall in sight, according to current extended forecasts. According to the National Weather Service, the next possible rainfall will likely come Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but it will not be enough to stymie ongoing drought conditions.
Even if 3 to 5 inches of rain fall across the entire state next week, it will do little to put a dent in groundwater supplies. As the soil dries during an ongoing drought, it becomes harder for water to penetrate and soak into the water table.
Drought conditions also increase the possibility for flash flooding during sudden rainfall.
At this point in time, weather forecasters have not anticipated significant impacts from hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, although some rip currents are expected Thursday along the southern coastline.
