Maine, 2020

Drought in Maine, October 1 to 31, 2020

October 1 to 31, 2020 · NWS GYX · 18 events in 18 counties and zones

Dry conditions developed rapidly across western Maine starting in the middle of May. The period May 16 to June 25 was exceedingly dry.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 18 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
$9.0 million
Events
18

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS GYX wrote it up.

Dry conditions developed rapidly across western Maine starting in the middle of May. The period May 16 to June 25 was exceedingly dry. There was some relief in late June and July, especially in the Western Maine Mountains and parts of the Mid-Coast. Southern Maine. By the middle of August dry conditions set in again with September being exceedingly dry with some locations reporting their driest September on record. The National Centers for Environmental Information reported that September was the driest on record for Maine. D2 severe drought was confined to parts of York and Somerset County at the beginning of the September. The D2 drought rapidly expanded into Oxford, Cumberland, Androscoggin and Franklin Counties by the middle of September. By the end of September D2 drought expanded across all of Western Maine, with a D3 extreme drought area developing across York and parts of Cumberland Counties. Through the first 2 weeks of October the drought classification remained similar across the region with no significant rainfall. Things changed on October 13th with a significant rain storm bringing welcome relieve to the drought as a widespread 2 to 3 of rainfall occurred. More significant rain occurred on the 16-17th with 1 to 2 of rainfall across the region. By the 3rd week of October the drought classification began to improve with Severe Drought being reduced to Moderate Drought across the Western Mountains and Foothills. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

18 drought. Local standard time, as filed.

Drought, Androscoggin

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Androscoggin forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.166, -70.206 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Central Interior Cumberland

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Central Interior Cumberland forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Central Somerset

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Central Somerset forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Coastal Cumberland

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Coastal Cumberland forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Coastal Waldo

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Coastal Waldo forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Coastal York

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Coastal York forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Interior Cumberland Highlands

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Interior Cumberland Highlands forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.806, -70.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Interior Waldo

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Interior Waldo forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.485, -69.122 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Interior York

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Interior York forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.429, -70.670 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Kennebec

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Kennebec forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.409, -69.767 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Knox

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Knox forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.076, -69.126 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Lincoln

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Lincoln forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.998, -69.526 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Northern Franklin

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Northern Franklin forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Northern Oxford

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Northern Oxford forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Sagadahoc

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Sagadahoc forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
43.912, -69.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Southern Franklin

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Southern Franklin forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.974, -70.444 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Southern Oxford

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Southern Oxford forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
44.500, -70.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

Drought, Southern Somerset

When
October 1, 12:00 AM EST to October 31, 11:59 PM EST
Where
Southern Somerset forecast zone
Crop damage
$500,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
45.514, -69.959 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought maintained through the beginning of October with no significant rainfall across the region. Things changed on October 13th when a significant rainstorm brought widespread rainfall across the region. Another significant rainstorm occurred on October 16-17th with more beneficial rainfall. Portland reported an October monthly total rainfall of 4.08, Augusta reported 5.69 and Rangeley reported 6.49. The above normal rainfall across the Western Mountains and foothills allowed for the D2 Severe drought classification to be lowered to D1 Moderate Drought by the third week of October. D2 drought classification remained along the coastal counties and parts of Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. Southern York County remained in D3 drought through the end of the month with significant rainfall departures remaining. Hydrologic conditions continued to worsen during the first week 2 weeks of October on non-regulated rivers with 90% of USGS river gaging stations below normal and a few sites at record lows for the beginning of October as river levels are normally beginning to rebound from the seasonal low flows. After the mid-month rains, hydrologic conditions significantly improved with many rivers systems in the Western Maine mountains returning to normal levels with flow remaining below normal on some smaller coastal basins. Reservoir levels on the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers remained near normal due to decreased flow and proper water management on these systems. Numerous reports of natural lake levels remained below normal for the month. In Western Maine, the 10 monitoring wells maintained by the USGS, 4 were below normal, 1 was much below normal, and 5 were in the normal range. In Maine, all 16 counties reported dry wells with 364 being reported to state agencies. The USDA Farm Service Agency reported every county in Maine, had received a drought declaration. Crops across Maine were hurt by the dry weather. Corn, potatoes, blueberries, barley and forage crops are the most affected. Farmers are concerned about having enough forage for their livestock to get through the winter. State level agriculture assistance programs, not counting insurance claims, have paid out over $500,000.

What these are

Drought
A drought reaching severe (D2) or worse on the US Drought Monitor, or with notable impacts.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Maine in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Maine, October 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 926741, 926743, 926744, 926745, 926746, 926747, 926748, 926749, 926750, 926751, 926752, 926753, 926754, 926755, 926756, 926757, 926758, 926759.