Most of Mass. now in ‘significant’ drought, raising wildfire concerns

State officials said Wednesday that drought conditions in Massachusetts had worsened, declaring much of the state to be in a “significant drought.”

The state assesses drought conditions on a scale of zero to four. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said this week that western Massachusetts, the Connecticut River Valley, the central region, the northeast region, and Nantucket moved to the second drought level. The state’s southeast region moved from normal conditions to level one, or a “mild drought.”

Massachusetts saw solid precipitation levels in the spring and early summer, but conditions deteriorated in recent months. August was very dry, with most parts of the state seeing rainfall levels one or two inches below normal averages.

“Warmer summers mean dryer environmental conditions in our parks, forests and communities. As several regions experience significant drought conditions, we must be mindful of these additional factors,” said Tepper in a statement. “We urge the public to remain vigilant during this time and adhere to local water restrictions and practice water conservation.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service’s Boston office have been monitoring the low precipitation levels as well, making Wednesday’s announcement “not a surprise at all,” meteorologist Candice Hrencecin said. 

Late last year, firefighters were injured and smoke billowed over Massachusetts as wildfires sprung up throughout the state. The North Shore was particularly hard hit, and multiple communities declared states of emergency. Notable drought conditions preceded those fires. 

The latest data is ringing similar alarm bells. 

“I’m a little concerned personally about seeing another active fire season this fall with how dry it’s been,” Hrencecin told Boston.com. “Hopefully we get some more precipitation but I’m not holding my breath, really. I’m a little nervous about that.”

New England is set to see a warm autumn, potentially raising the chances of wildfires. 

Historically, the risk of wildfires in Massachusetts is highest in the spring, as dead leaves and wood are exposed by melting snow. However, recent years have shown that there is a heightened risk in the fall and early winter months as well. 

Streamflow has declined significantly, causing streambeds to dry up, rivers to pond, and exposed banks to emerge along lakes. Groundwater levels are rapidly declining as well, especially on Cape Cod and Nantucket, according to the EEA officials. 

Residents should minimize their overall water use by limiting outdoor watering, fixing leaks, and following the guidance of local authorities, state officials said. 

Historical data from the federal government shows that intense droughts have grown more common in Massachusetts over the past decade. The worst occurred in the second half of 2016, but notable droughts also taken place in October 2020, August 2022, and December 2024. 

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