Why Connecticut Is Still In Drought Despite Recent Snow: Drought Monitor

CONNECTICUT — Even after several recent snowstorms, much of Connecticut is still considered "abnormally dry" or in "moderate drought," according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

That may seem surprising since snow has blanketed the state in recent weeks. But experts say drought is not just about what's on the ground right now — it reflects longer-term rainfall trends.

"It's almost a dormant drought this time of year," said Brad Rippey, a meteorologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of this week's Drought Monitor. "You look at the landscape and it doesn't appear dry because there's snow, but many of the indicators are still showing signs of longer-term dryness going back to late summer."

In other words, while recent storms have helped, they haven't erased a rainfall deficit that has built up over many months.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Feb. 26, 2026 shows much of Connecticut classified as abnormally dry or in moderate drought.

Aquarion Water Company said its Eastern Fairfield County reservoir system has dropped to 65% of total capacity after experiencing a rainfall deficit of more than 13 inches over the past year.

The system serves Bethel, Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Because of the lower reservoir levels, Aquarion has asked customers in those towns to voluntarily conserve water to help the system recover ahead of spring and summer, when outdoor watering demand typically increases.

“Due to current drought conditions, Aquarion is advising customers to voluntarily reduce their water use,” Aquarion President Lucy Teixeira said in a statement. “It is important for all of our customers to assist in this effort to help ensure our Eastern Fairfield County system recovers for spring and summer.”

Other water authorities in the state are closely monitoring conditions but are not currently issuing conservation requests.

"While we always encourage general water conservation efforts, we are not encouraging specific measures at this time," said Kevin Watsey, director of public affairs for the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. "If we do not see more precipitation in the coming weeks, we will consider asking customers to voluntarily conserve water."

Although snowfall has provided some relief, it does not add as much water to reservoirs as it may seem. Officials noted that about 10 inches of snow equals roughly one inch of rain.

Experts warned that drought impacts can become more noticeable once temperatures rise.

“Even though it doesn’t look like drought, it can be very hidden this time of year,” Rippey said. “But once it warms up and dries out, the impacts can ramp up very quickly.”