Precipitation was one-half inch to one and one-half inches below normal for most of Massachusetts during February, but one-quarter inch above normal in the Northeast. Above normal temperatures allowed for periods of rainfall and snow melt, prompting an increase in river and stream levels, and also reservoir levels. Soils remained thawed during the month, allowing for groundwater recharge.
A Drought Warning remained in effect for the Connecticut Valley and Southeast parts of Massachusetts. A Drought Watch was issued for Western and Central areas, an improvement from the January Drought Warning.  A Drought Advisory was issued for the Northeast region, an improvement over the Drought Watch previously in effect. The Cape and Islands remained in a Drought Advisory.
Cold temperatures mid-month allowed for a period of accumulating snowfall. Then a warmup occurred heading into late February. During the 23rd to 25th, daytime highs were in the 60s and 70s. The resulting snowmelt prompted a boost in river and stream flows to normal or above normal levels during the latter portion of the
month.
Ground water conditions varied considerably. Wells over Cape Cod and southeast MA were mainly below normal. In northwest MA, wells were mainly above normal.
Reservoirs monitored by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), were mainly 80 to 90 percent of normal levels with some recovery noted.

Drought in WESTERN HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor continued the Extreme Drought (D3) designation in the Wastern Hampden County through February 7.  On February 7, this was reduced to the  Severe Drought (D2) designation for the remainder of the month.

Drought in EASTERN FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor had a Severe Drought (D2) designation in southwestern Franklin County through the month of February.

Drought in EASTERN FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor had a Severe Drought (D2) designation in Eastern Franklin County through the month of February.

Drought in SOUTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor continued a Severe Drought (D2) designation in the extreme western part of Southern Worcester County through the month of February.

Drought in NORTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor maintained a Severe Drought (D2) designation in western and northern parts of Northern Worcester County through the month of February.

Drought in NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor had a Severe Drought (D2) designation in Northwest Middlesex County through the month of February.

Drought in EASTERN HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor had a Severe Drought (D2) designation in Eastern Hampshire County through the month of February.

Drought in WESTERN HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor had a Severe Drought (D2) designation in Western Hampshire County through the month of February.

Drought in EASTERN HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
From 01-FEB-17 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor continued the Extreme Drought (D3) designation in the western part of Eastern Hampden County through February 7.  Eastern portions continued with the Severe Drought (D2) designation.  On February 7, all areas carried the Severe Drought (D2) designation.