Roughly 78 percent of the state is experiencing “abnormally dry conditions,” with 34 percent under “moderate drought,” according to the latest report.<\/p>\n
MAINE, USA \u2014 Drought conditions are worsening across Maine as hot, dry weather continues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The latest\u00a0U.S. Drought Monitor map<\/a> was released on Thursday, showing that areas of southern and coastal Maine are now considered under “moderate drought”\u2014approximately 34 percent of the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n Last week, no part of the state was experiencing “moderate drought,” according to the report.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abnormally dry conditions have also rapidly expanded across central and parts of northern Maine, now affecting 78 percent of the state, up from 35 percent last week.<\/p>\n Despite a rainy spring, the state is facing a rainfall deficit.\u00a0<\/p>\n The only sizable chance for rain<\/a> in the next week is expected on Sunday, with the greatest likelihood of showers in northern Maine, according to NEWS CENTER Maine meteorologist Ryan Breton.\u00a0<\/p>\n Amid worsening drought conditions, the Maine Forest Service is urging residents and visitors to use caution<\/a> as wildfire danger climbed to “high” and “very high” on Thursday.<\/p>\n The agency has suspended burn permits until conditions improve in an effort to reduce fire risk.<\/p>\n Since Aug. 1, Maine has recorded 124 wildfires burning 70.8 acres. 70 of those fires, covering 55.6 acres, have happened in the past week.<\/p>\n For more local stories continue with us on our NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n