Drought Information Statement for Northern and Eastern Maine Valid August 28, 2025 Issued By: WFO Caribou, ME This product will be updated September 4, 2025 or sooner, if drought conditions change significantly. Drought Conditions expand across Eastern and Northern Maine Severe Drought expands to Bangor region U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Maine Drought Intensity and Extent: D2 (Severe Drought): Extreme Southern Penobscot County up to around Bangor, much of Hancock County & Coastal Washington County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Interior Hancock, Central & Northern Washington, Southern & Central Penobscot, Southern Piscataquis counties. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of Northern Somerset, Northern Penobscot, Southern & Northeast Aroostook counties. Percentage of Maine in Drought D0: (Abnormally Dry): 24.2% D1 (Moderate Drought): 51.7% D2 (Severe Drought): 10.9% Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for Northeast U.S. Four week drought monitor class change: Drought Worsened: Interior Downeast Maine, Bangor region into portions of the Central Highlands. Dry Conditions Worsened: Moosehead Region & Southern/Eastern Aroostook County. No Change: North Woods & St. John Valley Precipitation Widespread soaking rainfall across northern areas was beneficial for groundwater recharge. Elsewhere, mainly isolated to scattered showers provided limited rainfall. A couple recent events provided some rainfall, but significant 30-60 day deficits remain. Temperature 7 day trends have featured below near to slightly below normal temperatures across much of the area. 30 day trends have been near to slightly above normal for most locations. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic 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 or at 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 August. 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”. A few locations are now at record low flows for this time of year. Only a few watersheds in Northern Maine are within the “normal” percentile. Agricultural Impacts Soil moistures are above normal across Northern Maine & portions of the Central Highlands. This is due to recent rainfall. Soil moisture is significantly below normal in Downeast Maine, Bangor Region & Moosehead Region. Fire Hazard Impacts High fire danger in central and coastal Maine. Moderate in northern Maine. Potential for low fire risk Friday through Saturday, with returning moisture and rainfall. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Upper level system will slowly remain overhead through the weekend. Increased chances of rainfall especially in northern areas. Drier weather returns for much of next week with just a few chances of showers. Next 7 days features wetting rains for the northern areas but no drought busting rains in southern areas. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Currently no rapid drought risk forecast in the next two weeks. Main Takeaways for Next Week: Temperatures forecast to be near normal. Precipitation forecast to be near normal. Possible Impact Without above average rainfall, precipitation deficit will persist. Main Takeaways for the Next Month: Above average temperatures. Near 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. 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