Drought Information Statement for Northern and Eastern Maine Valid September 18, 2025 Issued By: WFO Caribou, ME This product will be updated September 18, 2025 or sooner, if drought conditions change significantly. Severe Drought remains in the Downeast, Bangor Region and portions of the Central Highlands. No changes over Northern Maine. U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent: D2 (Severe Drought): Much of Washington County, All of Hancock County, Southern & Central Penobscot County and Southern Piscataquis County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Narrow areas of Central Piscataquis, Central Penobscot counties, far Northern Washington County and far Southern Aroostook County. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of Northern Somerset, Northern Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot and Southern Aroostook counties. Percentage of Maine in Drought Conditions D0: (Abnormally Dry): 15.60% D1 (Moderate Drought): 4.72% D2 (Severe Drought): 52.26% Percentage of Maine Not in Drought 21.72% Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four week drought monitor class change: Drought Worsened: Moosehead Region, Interior Downeast Maine, Bangor region, Upper Penobscot Valley, and portions of the Central Highlands. Dry Conditions Steady: Baxter Region into Southern Aroostook County. No Change: North Woods & St. John Valley Precipitation Very minimal rainfall in the past week. We continue to see areas lacking rainfall when events occur. 30 day deficits still remain in much of the Downeast region. Total precipitation over the past 30 days Percent of normal precipitation for the past 30 days Temperature Temperature departure from normal over the past 7 days Temperature departure from normal over the past 30 days 7 day trends have featured slightly below normal temperatures across much of the area. 30 day trends have been mostly slightly below normal, with northern Washington county being slightly above normal. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts The majority of streamflows across the southern and central areas of the service area remain 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. Crops dying. Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire activity was well above average in August. Activity continues in September. 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 southern & central service area remain in the “below normal” or “much below normal” percentiles. Only far northwestern watersheds are near or within the “normal” percentile. USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map USGS 7 day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow Agricultural Impacts Soil moistures are slightly below normal in northern Maine. Soil moisture is significantly below normal in Downeast Maine, Bangor Region, parts of Eastern Aroostook & Moosehead Region. Image Captions: National Water Model Soil Moisture Percentile 0-10cm Depth Soil Moisture Percentile 10-40cm Depth Below Normal Above Normal Below Normal Above Normal Soil Depth: Surface to ~4” Soil Depth: ~4” to ~16” Groundwater Impacts Significant impacts to deeper soil moisture conditions with a few groundwater gauges below normal. Maine Drought Task Force Dry Well Survey reporting page here. Image Captions: National Water Model Soil Moisture Percentile 0-10cm Depth Soil Moisture Percentile 10-40cm Depth Below Normal Above Normal Soil Depth: ~40” to ~79” Fire Hazard Impacts High fire danger statewide as conditions dry out again in most locations. Showers are expected in the upcoming week, but expecting most locations see light accumulations. Image Captions: NICC September 2025 Significant Fire Potential Image Captions: Maine Wildfire Danger Report Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Slight chance for showers in the far north on Monday. A cold front will cross the region early-to-mid next week, with some rain showers. Isolated wetting rains but most locations remain rather dry with only temporary help. Otherwise, mostly dry conditions with a high pressure system over the region this weekend. Image Caption: Weather Prediction Center 7-day precipitation forecast valid 09/18 8AM to 09/25 8AM 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 Image Captions: Left - Climate Prediction Center 8-14 Day Temperature Outlook. Right - Climate Prediction Center 8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook. Valid Sep 18 to 24. Main Takeaways for the 2 Week Timeframe: Stronger signal of above temperatures expected. Weak signal of precipitation being slightly below normal. Possible Impact Without above average rainfall, precipitation deficit will persist. Climate Prediction Center Long Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Image Captions: Left - Climate Prediction Center Weeks 3-4 Temperature Outlook. Right - Climate Prediction Center Weeks 3-4 Precipitation Outlook. Valid September 20 - October 3, 2025. Main Takeaways for the Remainder of September: Signals for Above average temperatures. No signals for either Above or Below normal precipitation amounts. Possible Impact Above average temperatures with no strong signal of precipitation will not help Maine catch up in its moisture deficit. 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. Above normal 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, crop production and groundwater. The latest forecast and outlooks going forward favor limited opportunities for relief through the rest of 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 Required