Drought in Coastal Cumberland, Maine

Cumberland County averaged 1.72 inches of precipitation in February, approximately 1.68 inches below normal, marking the 5th driest February. The USDM on February 24th had 92% of the county in Severe Drought (D2) and 8% in Moderate Drought (D1). It was the driest June through February stretch on record, approximately 11 inches below normal for that 9 month period.

Throughout February 2026, drought conditions in Maine remained stable in their classification from the USDM, maintaining extreme to severe drought conditions. By the end of the month, Maine's drought coverage was nearly 1% Extreme Drought (D3), 53% Severe Drought (D2), and 46% Moderate Drought (D1). The freeze cap locked down any recharge to the system groundwater, while surface hydrologic conditions showed signs of continued deterioration with below normal precipitation. Precipitation during February was notably insufficient, with much of the region recording less than 50% of normal accumulations. This deficit was compounded by deep soil frost depths ranging from 6 to 20 inches, which acted as an impermeable barrier and prevented any melting snow or rain from recharging stressed aquifers. Consequently, groundwater levels in southern Maine continued to decline, reaching or falling below the historic lows observed during the 2002 drought. While snow was present across the state, the snowpack remained below normal in central and northern regions, and hundreds of households reported dry private wells due to the persistent lack of recovery.