Most Of Massachusetts Now In 'Significant' Drought

WORCESTER, MA — Drought conditions in Massachusetts worsened this week, and now state officials are stepping up warnings about fire danger and conserving water.

About 90 percent of the state is now in "significant drought" status, according to the Drought Management Task Force. Cape Cod is the only part of the state not experiencing some level of drought.

By comparison, a drought update at the end of June showed only parts of the state east of Middlesex and Norfolk counties were in a "significant drought."

“As the state continues to experience dry conditions, and with little rainfall expected in the immediate forecast, it is important that we all implement water conservation practices to reduce stress on our local water supply systems and our natural habitats,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card said in an update on July 13.

Apart from using less water for activities like washing cars and watering lawns, state officials are also worried about outdoor fires. Common activities like barbecuing or tossing a cigarette can spark wildfires, officials said.

Last Saturday, a wildfire in Townsend burned over 15 acres and took about four days to contain. Firefighters from as far away as Brookline and Holden responded to help.

“As the drought conditions worsen across parts of the Commonwealth, MEMA reminds residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, backyard fire pits, and other open flame outdoor activities to prevent outdoor fires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Dawn Brantley said.

National Weather Service long-range forecasts released Thursday say temperatures over the next two weeks will be above normal, and precipitation will be near normal.

But Massachusetts may need more than just average precipitation in the coming weeks to make up for lower spring rain totals. Here's a look at the typical precipitation levels compared to actual rainfall in recent months in the Worcester area:

Source: National Weather Service observed weather data

For residents in parts of the state in "significant drought" — which now includes all of Worcester and Middlesex counties — the state recommends minimizing water use overall, and limiting outdoor watering to handheld hoses and watering cans, and only between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.