Drought conditions have continued to worsen over the last several weeks across Maine, with some areas of the coast now in a “severe” drought.<\/p>\n
MAINE, USA \u2014 Dry conditions have continued to worsen<\/a> across Maine over the last several weeks, with some areas now experiencing “severe drought.”<\/p>\n A new U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday<\/a> shows parts of the state’s Down East and midcoast regions are now in a “severe drought,” covering about seven percent of the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Moderate drought” conditions have also expanded in western Maine, up roughly seven percent from last week.\u00a0<\/p>\n Central and southern areas of northern Maine continue to remain in “abnormally dry” conditions, with no change from the previous week.\u00a0<\/p>\n The next chance for rain is scattered showers Monday into Tuesday, according to NEWS CENTER Maine meteorologist Ryan Breton.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fire danger remains elevated across the state as drought conditions persist. Maine Forest Rangers posted a new fire danger map<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For more local stories continue with us on our NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n