MA Drought Worsens, Even After Heavy Rains

MASSACHUSETTS — Heavy rains earlier this week have not changed the drought situation in Massachusetts — in fact, the drought is worse.

In an update Wednesday, the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs expanded the "critical" drought status to include Cape Cod. The state also moved the drought status from "mild" to "significant" in the Berkshires, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

The core population areas of the state, including the North Shore, South Shore, Boston area, Worcester area and Springfield area all remained in "critical" drought.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card said the ongoing drought may worsen ongoing brush fires in the state. Marlborough has dealt with two large brush fires over the past week, and a fire at the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus continued to burn as of Thursday.

RELATED: Open Fires Banned Across MA State Parks Amid Extreme Drought

About 840 wildfires have burned over 1,400 acres of land in the state so far this season.

“Massachusetts continues to experience drought conditions in all regions of the state, which is not only depleting public water supplies, but is also elevating the risk of wildland fires,” Card said. “It is critical that we all practice water conservation methods and adhere to local requirements to decrease the stress on our water systems and ensure essential needs, such as drinking water, habitats and fire suppression, are being met.”

Many cities and towns across eastern Massachusetts have enacted water use restrictions limiting outdoor watering. For the first time this summer, Worcester on Monday issued a drought alert after the city's reservoirs fell to about 72 percent of capacity.

There's more rain in the forecast for Friday afternoon, although likely not enough to make up for a lack of rainfall over the spring and earlier summer months. The state has put together a guide with water conservation tips for residents.