Drought Information Statement for New Hampshire and Western Maine August 21, 2025 Issued By: NWS Gray Maine Contact Information: gyx.skywarn@noaa.gov Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Flash drought conditions developed in parts of Maine and New Hampshire that had negligible rainfall and hot temperatures from late June into August 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): Knox County ME D1 (Moderate Drought): Sullivan, Merrimack, Belknap, Strafford, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Knox Counties, including southern portions of Grafton, Carroll, Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset Counties. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Northern portions of Grafton, Carroll, Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset Counties. Drought impacts can vary based on type of sector (fire, agriculture, water management, recreational, etc. ) and on local infiltration rates based on your soil types. A moderate drought defines the general regional level of impact, but local impacts can be more or less severe than the categories here suggest. Required Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Dry conditions started in mid June, with drought conditions accelerating during periods of hot weather in late July and early August Almost all drought conditions developed between late July and mid August Precipitation Rainfall across much of Maine and New Hampshire was less than 50% of normal since mid June Much of the area observed rainfall deficits of 3 to 6 inches between June 21 and August 19 During this same period temperatures were 2 to 4 degrees above average, and more than a half dozen days exceeding 90 degrees Recent rainfall has provided a few areas with some short-term relief, but no widespread soaking rains to relief drought impacts Summer Precipitation Ending August 19, 2025 Drought Task Force Holder Precipitation Rainfall in spring and early summer was above normal Deficits primarily occurred over the last 30-60 days 30 Day precipitation anomalies were <25% in central Maine, and <50% for remaining areas Anomalies Temperature Above normal temperatures coincided with the dry-period, increasing evaporation and accelerating drought Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Drought conditions have reduced rivers to much below to near record low levels for August based on USGS streamflow stations Image 1 (left): USGS 7-Day Streamflow based on the percentile of existing streamflow records on this day of the year. Image 2(right): USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid August 20 2025 Agricultural Impacts Climate Prediction Center Soil Moisture Products show rapidly drying topsoils resulting in deteriorating pasture conditions and increased watering needs for gardens and young trees. The drought is expected to have negative consequences for crop yields. Groundwater Impacts Location: Coos County, New Hampshire Location: Oxford County, Maine Several groundwater monitoring wells are Below to Much Below Normal, some showing lingering deficits from the fall drought Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook Climate prediction center drought outlooks favor improvements by late fall This forecast is in part connected to the tropical outlook favoring above normal activity Fall is often Required Seven Day Precipitation Forecast 7-day rainfall (Through Aug 28) suggests minimal rainfall for severe drought region across the Midcoast Best chance for wetting rainfall (>0.25”) is late Sunday through Monday Additional showers are possible later in the forecast, but due to the dry source region any rainfall totals will be limited Broad area of low pressure to dominate most of the country next week into next weekend, bringing colder temperatures. Precipitation chances from late August through through Labor Day weekend is below normal. 8-14 Day Forecast Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Below normal to all time low streamflows and groundwater levels for this date in August based on USGS gages Agricultural Impacts Farmers are facing challenges with crops and livestock due to the lack of adequate rainfall, forcing them to implement water conservation measures and even truck in water. Fire Hazard Impacts The total count of wildfires was well above average in August. Prolonged dry periods weaken or kill off vegetation, creating dry fuel that can ignite easily with a source . Limited soil moisture can put stress on trees leading to early shedding of leaves and shutting down of annual grasses. Other Impacts Dry wells can occur during periods of drought. Mitigation Actions Call to Actions: Conserve water, practice fire prevention, and follow directions from local officials. Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire agencies in Maine and New Hampshire have routinely issued High fire danger ratings in August due to very dry fuels. Fire starts have been well above normal for this time of year due to both natural and manmade fire starts. Fire weather conditions over the next week are not expected to be elevated or critical, but gusty southerly winds are expected this weekend. Main Takeaways The drought was driven by periods of hot temperatures in July and August, during which time less than 50% of normal rainfall was observed. Hot temperatures increased evapotranspiration, depleting soil moisture rapidly. These conditions occurring during the peak growing season are responsible for crop and forest stress. Additional impacts include but not limited to declining streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater. The latest forecast and outlooks going forward favor limited opportunities for relief through early September. Contact Information Questions? Email gyx.skywarn@noaa.gov sarah.jamison@noaa.gov Louise.fode@noaa.gov Donald.dumont@noaa.gov Gray-Portland, ME National Weather Service 9:12 AM Contact Information Briefing Webpage Disclaimer Information contained in this briefing is time-sensitive Do Not Use After: August 31, 2025