Drought — Western Hampden, Massachusetts

2017-04-01 to 2017-04-04 · Western Hampden, Massachusetts

Event narrative

The U.S. Drought Monitor lowered the existing Severe Drought (D2) designation in the southeast part of western Hampden County to Moderate Drought (D1) on April 4.

Wider weather episode

April precipitation was above normal in most of Massachusetts, and as much as 2 to 3 inches above normal in Northeast Massachusetts. Central Massachusetts reported amounts that ranged from normal to an inch above normal. Individual stations in Western Massachusetts reported monthly totals of 0.25 to 0.50 inches below normal, while other stations in the region were between 0.25 and 1.0 inches above normal. Average temperatures for April were between 2.5 and 6.0 degrees above normal.

River and streams were at normal or above normal levels through the month.

Ground water conditions improved during the month. Most monitored wells showed normal to above normal levels. A few wells in Southeast Massachusetts and the Connecticut Valley were still below normal. Reservoir levels were recovering, but a few remained at below-normal levels.

A Drought Advisory was in effect for most of Massachusetts, an improvement in the Connecticut River Valley and Southeast regions which had been in a Drought Watch during March.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 693537. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.