More than half of MA is now experiencing an extreme drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor said Thursday. Check with local town or city officials for water restrictions or bans in your area.
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The current annual rainfall deficit for Boston is 9.49 inches.
The area of the state in extreme drought now includes all of Essex, Plymouth, and Suffolk County. The deficit is even higher in the portions of Franklin and Hampshire Counties under the extreme drought. “Immediate action by the public is necessary to help address the falling reservoir and ground water levels in many areas of the state”, said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz.
The drought is leading to water restrictions in several western MA communities, and the dry soil is causing trouble for farmers, gardeners, and homeowners who just want to keep their lawn green. All but the northwest corner of the state, which is listed as “abnormally dry”, is now experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought, according to the monitor. An “extreme drought” is the second most serious level in their measurements of drought, behind only “exceptional drought”, something that is now only being experienced in southern and central California.
This year marked the first time any part of the state was classified as being in extreme drought since the monitor was established in 1999.
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Compared to last week, you can see that the area of both extreme drought and severe drought has been expanded.
