Nearly half of Maine is now in at least severe drought

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 8, 2026

Experts now estimate that nearly half of Maine is under at least severe drought conditions as the entire state remains mired in a monthslong dry spell that hasn’t been helped by recent rain. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday, indicates roughly 46% of the state’s area is in at least severe drought, including 5% — a chunk of coastal Maine — that is experiencing a more dire extreme drought. No part of the state is yet in exceptional drought, the most serious level.