Drought Information Statement for Northern and Eastern Maine Valid October 2, 2025 Issued By: WFO Caribou, ME This product will be updated October 9, 2025 or sooner, if drought conditions change significantly. Drought worsens across Downeast Maine Abnormally Dry Conditions and Moderate to Severe Drought continues U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Maine Drought Intensity and Extent: D3 (Extreme Drought): Southern Hancock & southern Washington counties. D2 (Severe Drought): Central and Northern Washington, northern Hancock, southern & central Penobscot and southern Piscataquis counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Southeast Aroostook, small portion of central Penobscot, central Piscataquis counties. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Northern Somerset, northern Piscataquis, northern Washington counties along with the rest of Aroostook County. Percentage of Maine in Drought D0: (Abnormally Dry): 28.08% D1 (Moderate Drought): 12.41% D2 (Severe Drought): 42.90% D3 (Extreme Drought): 16.61% Recent Change in Drought Intensity Drought Worsened: Much of Downeast Maine. Dry Conditions Worsened: Large portion of Northwest Maine. No Change: Central Highlands, much of interior Downeast and portions of eastern Aroostook County. Precipitation Continued dry conditions over the last 30 days with the only above normal rainfall from Kennebec Valley to Baxter State Park region. Only a couple of small areas had a surplus, with most of the state running 25 to 75% of normal. Temperature 7 day trends have featured above normal temperatures across much of the area. 30 day trends have been above normal for most locations. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts The majority of streamflows across the service area continue to remain within the “Below” to “Much Below Normal” percentiles. A few sites approaching record low flows for this time of year. Agricultural Impacts Remaining harvest underway; ~30% crop losses due to ongoing drought conditions according to Drought Reporter Monitor Fire Hazard Impacts Wildfire activity has been above average in Maine since August. Trees are showing signs of drought stress leading to early leaf fall. 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, eastern & central service area remain in the “below normal” or “much below normal” categories. A few locations are now at record low flows for this time of year. Only a few isolated spots are within the “normal” category. Agricultural Impacts Soil moistures are below normal across most of northern and eastern Maine as the influence from previous rainfall dries up. Soil moisture is significantly below normal in portions of the Central Highlands and Downeast Maine. Groundwater Impacts Significant impacts to deeper soil moisture conditions with several groundwater gauges below normal. Fire Hazard Impacts High fire danger statewide as rainfall from last week has evaporated & temps are warming for the next week. Next chance for significant rainfall looks to be the middle of next week. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Isolated to scattered showers over the north through the weekend. Cold front and low pressure will approach early to the middle part of next week bringing beneficial rainfall to the area, though not a drought buster. 8 to 14 Day Outlooks Main Takeaways for the 2 Week Period: Stronger signal of above normal temperatures expected. No strong signals for either wetter or drier than average precipitation. Possible Impact Without above average rainfall, precipitation deficit will persist. Long Range Outlooks Main Takeaways for the Next Month: Strong signal for Above Normal temperatures. No strong signals for either wetter or drier than average precipitation. 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. Moderate rainfall at the end of September brought little relief to drought conditions. Below normal rainfall for September worsened drought conditions for Downeast and kept the drought status the same elsewhere. These conditions occurring during the peak growing season are responsible for reduced harvest yields and earlier leaf drop. 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 October, however shorter days and cooler temperatures will lessen evaporation. 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 Required