The U.S. Drought Monitor declared a severe drought across Rhode Island, the eastern half of Massachusetts, and most of northern Connecticut.  A moderate drought was declared over western Massachusetts and southwestern New Hampshire.  This was declared as the result of a meteorological drought determined by precipitation that had been approximately one half of normal from January 2012 through April 2012.  Rivers and streams were most affected as most ran at record low levels during the spring run-off season.  No southern New England state issued drought declarations as reservoirs were at normal levels, thanks largely to above normal precipitation falling between August 2011 and November 2011.
The main impact of the meteorological drought was periods of very high fire danger.  In addition, small pond levels were reduced.  While soil moisture was well below normal, this drought occurred prior to the beginning of the growing season.  Thus, no agricultural impacts were realized.
From January 1 through April 15, precipitation levels were 6 to 8 inches below normal across northeast Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeast Massachusetts.  Across the remainder of southern New England, precipitation levels were 5 to 7 inches below  normal.  This translates to around or less than 50 percent of normal precipitation for much of southern New England.

Drought in WESTERN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 24-APR-12 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over western Essex County from April 12 through April 24.  This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in EASTERN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over eastern Essex County from April 12 through May 1.  This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in SOUTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 24-APR-12 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over southern Worcester County from April 12 through April 24. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in WESTERN NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 24-APR-12 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over eastern Essex County from April 12 through April 24. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over southeastern Middlesex County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in SUFFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over Suffolk County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in EASTERN NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over eastern Norfolk County from April 12 through May 1. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in NORTHERN BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 24-APR-12 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over eastern Essex County from April 12 through April 24. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in WESTERN PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over western Plymouth County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in EASTERN PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over eastern Plymouth County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in SOUTHERN BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over southern Bristol County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over southern Plymouth County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over northwestern Middlesex County from April 12 through May 15. This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in NORTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over northern Worcester County from April 12 through May 15.  This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.

Drought in WESTERN MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 12-APR-12 07:30:00 to 30-APR-12 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The U.S. Drought Monitor declared severe drought (D2) over western Middlesex County from April 12 through May 15.  This was deemed a meteorological drought due to precipitation levels approximately one half of normal.