A change in the pattern led to more frequent rain events across much of northern and eastern Maine during October. The change in pattern developed early in the month and persisted through the month. The first rain event occurred on the 2nd...with more frequent rain events occurring through the month. The two largest rain events occurred on the 13th/14th and 16th/17th. During each of these events much of northern Maine and the central highlands received 1 to 3 inch rain totals...with locally greater amounts. The monthly rain total of 7.21 inches at Caribou was the 3rd wettest October on record. The 6.48 inches at Millinocket was the 15th wettest...the 6.08 inches at Houlton was the 9th wettest. Monthly rain totals were generally 130 - 220% of normal across central and northern portions of the region...with the greater departures above normal across northern areas and the central highlands. Rain totals across Downeast areas were more variable...ranging from slightly above normal to below normal.
Rivers and streams responded rapidly to the increased rainfall. Many larger rivers were at record low levels at the start of the month. At months end...many of the rivers across northern areas and the central highlands had recovered to 100 - 250% of normal levels for late October. With the growing season ending and most harvesting finished by months end...agricultural impacts during October were minimized. Much of northern and eastern Maine was in severe drought ( D2 )...with pockets of extreme drought ( D3 )...at the start of the month. At months end...most of northern and eastern Maine had improved to moderate drought ( D1 ) or just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in NORTHEAST AROOSTOOK, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in NORTHERN PISCATAQUIS, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in NORTHERN PENOBSCOT, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in SOUTHEAST AROOSTOOK, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in CENTRAL PISCATAQUIS, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in CENTRAL PENOBSCOT, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in SOUTHERN PENOBSCOT, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in CENTRAL WASHINGTON, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in SOUTHERN PISCATAQUIS, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in NORTHERN WASHINGTON, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).

Drought in NORTHWEST AROOSTOOK, MAINE
From 01-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 19-OCT-20 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions improved through the month. At months end...conditions ranged from moderate drought ( D1 ) to just abnormally dry ( D0 ).