The U.S. Drought Monitor classified Western Maine in drought. The drought developed as a result of below normal precipitation this spring followed by a warm and dry start to the summer season. The active weather pattern in July resulted in some areas receiving significant rainfall while others missed out. The foothills and mountains received the least amount of rainfall with these areas remaining in the severe drought introduced in late June. The coastal counties received three times their normal rainfall, effectively ending drought conditions for southern counties. The lakes and mountains regions saw less rainfall, averaging 75-125% of normal.  Severe drought across watershed headwaters kept most area rivers and reservoirs below normal levels. Precipitation in July was 150 to 300% in southern Maine. Northern Maine saw rainfall amounts around 75% of normal.

Drought in NORTHERN FRANKLIN, MAINE
From 01-JUL-21 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The July 1 issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor had 100% of Maine a drought level of D0 or greater. A moderate drought level (D1) or higher was in place for 70% of Maine. Severe drought (D2) conditions were designated for 20% of Maine over portions of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties, extending westward into a portion of Coos County in New Hampshire.  Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford and Franklin Counties. In both Maine and New Hampshire several towns instituted voluntary water restrictions, due primarily from below normal groundwater levels. Hydro operators are monitoring conditions and balancing needs of lake levels, hydroelectric power generation needs, and the discharges to maintain stream flow needs downstream.

Drought in SOUTHERN FRANKLIN, MAINE
From 01-JUL-21 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The July 1 issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor had 100% of Maine a drought level of D0 or greater. A moderate drought level (D1) or higher was in place for 70% of Maine. Severe drought (D2) conditions were designated for 20% of Maine over portions of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties.  Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford and Franklin Counties.  In Maine several towns instituted voluntary water restrictions, due primarily from below normal groundwater levels. Hydro operators monitored conditions and balanced needs of lake levels, hydroelectric power generation needs, and the discharges to maintain stream flow needs downstream.

Drought in SOUTHERN SOMERSET, MAINE
From 01-JUL-21 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The July 1 issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor had 100% of Maine a drought level of D0 or greater. A moderate drought level (D1) or higher was in place for 70% of Maine. Severe drought (D2) conditions were designated for 20% of Maine over portions of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties.  Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford and Franklin Counties.  In Maine several towns instituted voluntary water restrictions, due primarily from below normal groundwater levels. Hydro operators monitored conditions and balanced needs of lake levels, hydroelectric power generation needs, and the discharges to maintain stream flow needs downstream.

Drought in CENTRAL SOMERSET, MAINE
From 01-JUL-21 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The July 1 issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor had 100% of Maine a drought level of D0 or greater. A moderate drought level (D1) or higher was in place for 70% of Maine. Severe drought (D2) conditions were designated for 20% of Maine over portions of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties.  Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford and Franklin Counties.  In Maine several towns instituted voluntary water restrictions, due primarily from below normal groundwater levels. Hydro operators monitored conditions and balanced needs of lake levels, hydroelectric power generation needs, and the discharges to maintain stream flow needs downstream.

Drought in NORTHERN OXFORD, MAINE
From 01-JUL-21 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The July 1 issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor had 100% of Maine a drought level of D0 or greater. A moderate drought level (D1) or higher was in place for 70% of Maine. Severe drought (D2) conditions were designated for 20% of Maine over portions of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties.  Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford and Franklin Counties.  In Maine several towns instituted voluntary water restrictions, due primarily from below normal groundwater levels. Hydro operators monitored conditions and balanced needs of lake levels, hydroelectric power generation needs, and the discharges to maintain stream flow needs downstream.