Massachusetts 1960s Drought Was the ‘Drought of Record’

There is drought, and then there is drought.

All of Massachusetts, except Cape Cod and the Islands, is experiencing Level 3 (or Critical) drought conditions, even with last week's rain.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said precipitation has been "at an unprecedented low over the last three months." That requires "detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close and regular coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities."

A temporary ban on all open-flame and charcoal fires within state park properties has been ordered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as drought-related wildfires increase in frequency and intensity.

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The DCR said over 3,654 acres burned in October and November, "a significant majority of the 4,262 acres that have burned over the entirety of this year." This is "unprecedented," according to DCR, because this scale is "uncommon during later fall months" and because of how rapidly the fires spread.

There have been some dry periods in recent years, including the summer of 2022 drought, when many area ponds and streams dried up. It was another Level 3-Critical Drought for southeastern Massachusetts.

However, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance said, "The nine-year drought from 1961-1969 is considered the 'drought of record.'"

"The longevity and severity of this drought forced public water suppliers to implement water-use restrictions, and numerous communities used emergency water supplies," the MRA said.

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported, "In March 1967, the Quabbin (Reservoir) was at 45 percent capacity, its lowest level since it was built in the 1930s." The paper said, "Some locations in New England between October 1964 and September 1966 had rainfall that was more than 25 inches below average."

David Vallee, with the National Weather Service, told the paper, "The drought in the mid-1960s was a very big deal."

"The 1960s drought is considered to be the drought of record for this area," he said.