Drought — Northern Oxford, Maine

2021-09-01 to 2021-09-30 · Northern Oxford, Maine

Event narrative

The moderate (D1) drought conditions across Maine were reduced to a (D0) across portions of southern Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset Counties. Severe drought conditions remain unchanged for the central and northern portions of those counties as they received less rainfall. Between the beginning and end of September, the severe drought (D2) was reduced from 13.6% of the region to 7.5%. The cumulative area in drought (D0-D2) was reduced from 51% to 32% for the same period. Rainfall deficits continued for the headwaters of the Penobscot, Kennebec, and Androscoggin Rivers, where D0 to D2 conditions remain. Year to date deficits continued for the drought stricken Lakes Region with reports of 6 to 12 inches below normal since January 1. Short term recharge was observed over portions of the Kennebeck and Penobscot headwaters where reservoirs returned to near normal levels. Northern and western Maine reported near record low groundwater levels based on the USGS well stations in the area. Dry wells were reported in northern counties, notably in Oxford, Franklin, and Central Somerset Counties.

Wider weather episode

Severe drought conditions continued through September across portions of western Maine. Drought conditions had developed in May 2021, with severe drought developing by mid-June. September brought above normal rainfall for all but northwestern Maine where moderate and severe drought conditions continued. A widespread soaking rain brought an inch to most areas between the 24th and 26th, with locally higher amounts upwards of 6 inches over the Midcoast and central Maine. This beneficial rainfall when combined with the end of the growing season lowered water demands for much of the region. The U.S. drought monitor highlighted these positive trends with a slight reduction in moderate drought areas across central Maine.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 990336. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.