MAINE PUBLIC • February 15, 2022
Human-caused climate change is creating a new set of challenges, and the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that Franklin County is experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. The challenge for farmers isn't just dealing with drier conditions; they're also facing something else. "The Northeast region is seeing the greatest increase in heavy precipitation events than any region in the U.S.," says Maine State Climatologist Dr. Sean Birkel. Birkel says that since 1895, Maine's annual rainfall has increased by six inches, with more extreme rain events in spring and fall. You might wonder how a drought could result in more rainfall. Birkel says the warming atmosphere, equal to 3.2 degrees hotter here in Maine since 1895, enhances evaporation that reduces surface water and dries out soil.