The 2022 Massachusetts Drought Is Not Over Yet

It took enough raindrops to finally declare victory over a drought that dried the SouthCoast region to a crisp over the long hot summer months. But at last, the dry spell is over for all of Bristol County and a good deal of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has declared "Zero" drought or "Normal" conditions for the Southeastern, Central, and, Western Regions of Massachusetts.

Most, if not all, of the Southeastern and Central Regions were at "Level 3" or "Critical" drought status until the fall rains arrived, giving the commonwealth a good dose of wetness.

While conditions have vastly improved in some parts of the state, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket – which make up the Islands Region – remain at "Level 3" or "Critical" drought conditions.

The Cape Cod, Northeast, and Connecticut River Valley Regions of Massachusetts remain at "Level 1" or "Mild" drought conditions.

The EEA's Drought Management Task Force stated that "With near to above normal precipitation in October that directly benefited Massachusetts' hydrological systems, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card announced that drought conditions have improved in nearly all regions of the state."

In regions where drought conditions still persist, EEA is asking residents to continue to be mindful of their water use and conserve where possible.

The EEA stated the most recent drought was among the most serious in recent years but not as significant as the extreme drought the region experienced from June 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

The EEA will continue to monitor drought conditions and post advisories as necessary.