Drought, Berkshire
- When
- August 1, 12:00 AM EST to August 31, 11:59 PM EST
- Where
- Berkshire forecast zone
- Reported by
- OFFICIAL NWS OBS.
- Coordinates
- 42.371, -73.206 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
August 99 was the peak of the long term drought across Western Massachusetts that began in July of 98. The fourteen month stretch, ending in August, saw rainfall and melted snowfall throughout the region tallying up to only about 80 percent of normal. The long term drought combined with the heat of the summer, resulted in a drought warning across the Berkshires. The drought resulted in low levels of streams, and many wells went completely dry. Most communities implemented voluntary or mandatory water restrictions.