Drought in Southern Penobscot, Maine

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

Persistent drought continued into March in northern and coastal 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 March was roughly 27 inches at the Caribou office on March 9th, persisting to 26 inches on March 16th. Caribou had above average precipitation, but below average snowfall for the month of March. Bangor's climate site recorded below average precipitation and snowfall for March. At the end of February, 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 March, drought conditions remained status quo. No additional dry drinking well reports during March.