Drought continues to intensify in Maine as the entire state is now under some level of abnormally dry condition.

(Drought Conditions in Maine as of September 10, 2026)

Severe drought now covers an area from coastal northern York County extending to Hancock County and inland to southern Penobscot County.

More than 77 percent of the state is under moderate or greater drought, including most of Aroostook County in northern most Maine.

Conditions have worsened since July after an early summer drought recovery in the state.

 

(U.S. Drought Monitor as of Thursday, July 30, 2026)

July turned out to be the third driest on record in Maine. One year ago, more than 15 percent of the state was under the most severe condition of exceptional drought.

Maine experienced its most damaging drought between 1999 and2002, during which an estimated 17,000 private wells ran dry, and farmers lost more than $32 million in crop yield.

More recently, Maine experienced significant droughts in both 2016 and 2020-2022, with widespread impacts to water supply, agriculture, and recreation.