Drought Information Statement for Northern and Eastern Maine Valid August 21, 2025 Issued By: WFO Caribou, ME This product will be updated August 28, 2025 or sooner, if drought conditions change significantly. Flash Drought Worsens to Severe Downeast Moderate Drought Expands in the Bangor Region, Interior Downeast & Portions of the Central Highlands. U.S. Drought Monitor U.S. Drought Monitor for Maine Drought Intensity and Extent: D2 (Severe Drought): Coastal Hancock & Washington counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Interior Hancock, Interior Washington, Southern & South-Central Penobscot, Extreme Southern Piscataquis counties. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of Northern Somerset, Central & Northern Penobscot, far Northern Washington and Southern Aroostook County. Percentage of Maine in Drought D0: (Abnormally Dry): 36.8% D1 (Moderate Drought): 34.1% D2 (Severe Drought): 7.1% Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for Northeast U.S. Four week drought monitor class change: Flash Drought Worsened: in Downeast Maine, Bangor region into portions of the Central Highlands. No Change: Moosehead Region to Southern Aroostook and points northward. Precipitation Rainfall has been limited to mainly scattered showers and thunderstorms. A couple recent events provided some rainfall, but significant 30-60 day deficits remain. Total precipitation over the past 30 days Percent of normal precipitation for the past 30 days 7 day trends have featured above normal temperatures across the western half of the service area. Near to slightly below normal in eastern areas near New Brunswick. 30 day trends have been near to slightly above normal for most locations. Slightly below normal along the Downeast Coast & NE Aroostook County. Summary of Impacts The majority of streamflows across the service area have fallen to within the “Below” to “Much Below Normal” percentile. (USGS) A few sites approaching record low flows for this time of year. Agricultural Impacts Irrigation impacts; increased usage of irrigation, water supply from ponds running low. Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire activity has been well above average in Maine in the past few weeks. Wildfires have been burning actively at night, burning deep into the ground, and completely consuming larger fuels, all indicative of dry conditions. Vegetation is showing signs of drought stress, with birch and other hardwood trees beginning to change color and drop leaves earlier than normal. Other Impacts Dry wells can occur during periods of drought and have been reported over the past few weeks. Mitigation Actions Conserve water, practice fire prevention and follow directions from local officials. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Majority of the stream flows across the service area have fallen to “below normal” or “much below normal”. Only a few watersheds in Northern Maine are within the “normal” percentile. Agricultural Impacts Soil moistures are below normal across Maine. Soil moisture is significantly below normal in coastal Downeast Maine. Fire Hazard Impacts High fire danger in central and coastal Maine. Moderate in northern Maine. Potential for some significant fire potential Friday through Saturday, from some gusty winds and low relative humidity. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast High pressure over the area through the end of the week. Warm front moves through on Saturday, alongside a cold front moving through Sunday evening. With this cold front, expect precipitation chances to increase Sunday night through Tuesday. Chance of thunderstorms Monday. A wetting rain for this early week system, but not a drought buster. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Currently no rapid drought risk forecast in the next two weeks. 8 to 14 Day Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage. Main Takeaways for Next Week: Temperatures forecast to be below normal. Precipitation forecast to be about normal. Possible Impact Without above average rainfall, precipitation deficit will persist. Below average temperatures, however, could at least lead to less evaporation. Long Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage. Main Takeaways for the Next Month: Above average temperatures. About normal precipitation amounts. Possible Impact Despite having some below average temperatures in the short term, above average temperatures with average precipitation will not help Maine to catch up in its moisture deficit. Isolated storms with locally higher precipitation totals could help select locations get some additional moisture. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Main Takeaways No projected change in drought this month. Downeast coast expected to have drought removal by end of the 3-month seasonal outlook. Possible Impact Potential for some improved conditions in drought heavy areas in the next few months. 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 Web www.weather.gov/gyx www.weather.gov/car Questions? Email nws.caribou@noaa.gov james.sinko@noaa.gov Louise.fode@noaa.gov Donald.dumont@noaa.gov