Drought in Northwest Aroostook, Maine

A lack of adequate precipitation in Northwest Aroostook led to prolonged drying conditions in February. Conditions were Severe Drought (D2) in late January and stayed in Severe Drought to the end of the month. Drought continued into March.

Persistent drought continued into February in northern and central Maine. The ground was frozen the entire month in northern counties, continuing to restrict any moisture from penetrating down into the soil. Frost depth at the beginning of February was 21 inches at the Caribou office, gradually increasing to 26 inches by February 24th. All climate sites recorded below average precipitation, with generally 1.5 - 2.0 inch deficits. At the end of January, northern Somerset, northwestern Aroostook, northern Piscataquis, southern Penobscot, and central and coastal Hancock counties, were included in severe drought. The Central Highlands region, eastern and southern Aroostook, far northern Hancock, and Washington counties were in moderate drought. In February, drought conditions remained status quo. No additional dry drinking well reports during February.