Drought conditions have continued to worsen over the last several weeks across Maine, with some areas of the coast now in a “severe” drought.

MAINE, USA — Dry conditions have continued to worsen across Maine over the last several weeks, with some areas now experiencing “severe drought.”

A new U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows parts of the state’s Down East and midcoast regions are now in a “severe drought,” covering about seven percent of the state. 

“Moderate drought” conditions have also expanded in western Maine, up roughly seven percent from last week. 

Central and southern areas of northern Maine continue to remain in “abnormally dry” conditions, with no change from the previous week. 

The next chance for rain is scattered showers Monday into Tuesday, according to NEWS CENTER Maine meteorologist Ryan Breton. 

Fire danger remains elevated across the state as drought conditions persist. Maine Forest Rangers posted a new fire danger map on social media Thursday, showing that conditions rated “very high” in the state’s southwestern region, “high” across most of central and coastal areas, and “moderate” in northern Maine. 

Despite recent rainfall in some communities, wildfires continue to happen. Rangers are reminding the public to check with local authorities before any open burning, as many areas have implemented restrictions.

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