Drought in Interior Cumberland Highlands, Maine

Cumberland County averaged 3.39 inches of precipitation in March, approximately 0.57 inches below normal. The USDM on March 31st had 28% in Extreme Drought (D3) and 72% in Severe Drought (D2) and 8% in Moderate Drought (D1). It was the second driest June through March stretch on record, approximately 11 inches below normal for that 10 month period.

Despite the seasonal transition, Maine remained locked in drought. Persistent precipitation deficits over the winter, falling as low as 50% of normal in southern areas during March, prevented categorical recovery. As of late March, 53% of Maine were classified under D2 (Severe Drought) conditions. Portions of coastal Maine continued to experience D3 (Extreme Drought). During March 2026, drought conditions across Maine experienced subtle seasonal shifts but largely maintained their designations from the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM). Sizable long-term deficits persisted despite variable precipitation across northern and eastern sectors. Ground conditions began a slow transition as warmer periods mid-month started breaking thaw topsoil layers, allowing localized infiltration. Precipitation across the southern and western counties remained below normal, maintaining hydrologic stress on regional aquifers and private wells.