According to the September 1st, 2022 release of the United States Drought Monitor,
84% of the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office Gray Maine County Warning Area (CWA) experienced drought conditions. Roughly 38% of the area was under moderate drought conditions. Approximately 15% of the area was in severe drought, focusing along coastal New Hampshire and Maine. Around 1% of the area experienced extreme drought along the Massachusetts and New Hampshire state line. Rainfall in August reduced drought severity and coverage in Maine with little impact in New Hampshire.  By the end of September rainfall was above normal for the entire region, doubling the averages in some locations. The rainfall brought welcome relief to drought-stricken areas of Maine and New Hampshire and supported a one to two category improvement to the drought designations since the beginning of the month. Apart from a very small geographic area along the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Stateline, the severe drought conditions were downgraded. According to the September 27th, 2022, release of the United States Drought Monitor, 37% of the area experienced abnormally dry conditions. Roughly 15% of the area was under moderate drought conditions, and another 0.35% of the area was in severe drought. Streamflow's were variable during the month, but overall streamflow's were near to above normal.

Drought in CHESHIRE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Cheshire County was 7% in extreme drought, 54% severe drought, 39% moderate drought. By the end of the month, 60% of the county was in moderate drought and 48% abnormally dry. The dramatic improvement was the result of widespread rain with most of the county receiving between 5 and 7 inches of rainfall. The heaviest rainfall was in West Swanzey with 7.60 inches. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Cheshire County.

Drought in EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Hillsborough County was 17% in extreme drought, 73% in severe drought, and 10% abnormally dry. By the end of the month, 4% of the county was in severe drought, 86% in moderate drought, and 10% abnormally dry. The improvement in drought classification was the result of widespread shower activity with most of the county receiving between 4 and 7 inches of rainfall. The heaviest rain fell on the 6th with most of the county receiving around 2 inches. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Hillsborough County.

Drought in WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Hillsborough County was 17% in extreme drought, 73% in severe drought, and 10% abnormally dry. By the end of the month, 4% of the county was in severe drought, 86% in moderate drought, and 10% abnormally dry. The improvement in drought classification was the result of widespread shower activity with most of the county receiving between 4 and 7 inches of rainfall. The heaviest rain fell on the 6th with most of the county receiving around 2 inches. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Hillsborough County.

Drought in COASTAL ROCKINGHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Rockingham County was 8% in extreme drought and 92% in severe drought. By the end of the month, 5% of the county was in severe drought and 95% in moderate drought. The improvement was the result of widespread shower activity with most of the county receiving between 4 and 6 inches of rainfall. The heaviest rainfall fell on the 6th and 23rd with 1 to 2 inches of rain in each respective event. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Rockingham County.

Drought in INTERIOR ROCKINGHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Rockingham County was 8% in extreme drought and 92% in severe drought. By the end of the month, 5% of the county was in severe drought and 95% in moderate drought. The improvement was the result of widespread shower activity with most of the county receiving between 4 and 6 inches of rainfall. The heaviest rainfall fell on the 6th and 23rd with 1 to 2 inches of rain in each respective event. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Rockingham County.

Drought in STRAFFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From 01-SEP-22 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-22 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

On August 30th drought monitor, Strafford County was 36% in severe drought and 62% moderate drought. By the end of the month, 45% of the county was in moderate drought and 45% abnormally dry. The improved designations were the result of scattered heavy rainfall with most areas receiving between 4 and 5 inches of rain. A USDA Disaster Designation for drought was applied to Strafford County.