Extreme drought conditions declared for northeastern Massachusetts
The U.S. Drought Monitor declared Thursday that extreme drought conditions have taken over the northeastern part of Massachusetts, stretching from the Boston area up past Cape Ann.
A small area northwest of Boston was declared in extreme drought a week ago. It was the first time any part of the state was classified as in extreme drought status since the monitor, jointly produced by government and academic authorities, was established in 1999.
Last week, the state’s Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs upgraded the status for central and northeastern Massachusetts to a drought warning, the second most severe designation.
“The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to work with the Drought Management Task Force, government officials, and stakeholders to ensure appropriate actions are taken to minimize any harmful effects of the drought,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said in a statement. “The public is strongly encouraged to limit outdoor water usage, and integrate water-saving techniques into their daily routines.”
Much of the central part of the state is in severe drought, according to the monitor.
This year’s dryness is comparable to a drought in the mid-1960s, according to Boston.com correspondent and author of the Weather Wisdom blog Dave Epstein.
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