Drought in Central Piscataquis, Maine

A lack of adequate precipitation in Central Piscataquis led to prolonged drying conditions in April. Conditions degraded to Severe Drought (D2) on April 28th. Drought continued into May.

Persistent drought began to improve in April for northern and eastern Maine. Frost depth at the beginning of April was roughly 26 inches, and improved to 0 by the end of the month. Deep frost depth acted to restrict moisture penetrating down to the soil in the beginning of the month. Caribou had above average precipitation, but below average snowfall for the month of April. Bangor's climate site recorded above average precipitation, but below normal snowfall for April. At the end of March, northern Somerset, northwestern Aroostook, northern Piscataquis, southern Penobscot, and central and coastal Hancock counties, were included in severe drought (D2). The Central Highlands region, eastern and southern Aroostook, far northern Hancock, and Washington counties were in moderate drought (D1). In April, drought conditions improved on the 27th, as northern Somerset, northwestern Aroostook, northern Piscataquis, and coastal Hancock counties all improved to moderate drought (D1). Southwestern Penobscot remained in severe drought (D2). By the 28th, southwestern Penobscot and and southern Piscataquis were in Severe Drought (D2). No dry well reports were noted in April.