Also, the southeastern and western parts of Mass., and Martha’s Vineyard, which were also considered back to normal last month, are now experiencing “mild” drought, according to officials. Nantucket continues to experience the most significant deficits, with totals near 50 percent of normal.
Rainfall was well below normal in April, ranging from 1.5 inches to 3 inches statewide, versus the 4.12 inches of precipitation that Mass. usually sees, according to NOAA data, which makes April 2026 the driest April across the state since 2010. Over the past three to six months, most of the state has received 60 to 90 percent of normal precipitation, according to the Mass. Drought Management Task Force.
“While conditions may appear improved in the short term,” key indicators, such as groundwater, take longer to recover, officials said. The greatest rainfall deficits have been seen on the islands, which saw only 0.75 to 1 inch of rain, about 3 to 4.5 inches below normal.
“Recent rainfall has helped, but rivers are still running low and groundwater levels remain below normal,” said Rebecca Tepper, EEA secretary. “These conditions reflect the longer-term dry period we’ve been experiencing.”
The one bright spot is Cape Cod, officials noted, where conditions have “slightly improved” to a “mild drought.”
Meanwhile, parts of Northern New England — New Hampshire and Maine especially — are still in the throes of severe drought.
Using its own analysis, the US Drought Monitor was overall in agreement with Mass. officials, reporting in its latest update, below, that the eastern and central parts of the state are experiencing moderate drought.
Besides groundwater levels, officials noted, this two-year drought also continues to affect streamflow, vernal pools, and ponds and dependent species, as well as drying out vegetation and groundcover. Residents who use well water are most susceptible to issues if the groundwater levels continue to drop.
A dry spring and continued drought may very well compound fire risk across New England during the summer months, especially for regions up north. During the summer months, leaves generally shield the forest floor from intense sunshine, but with extensive drought in place, leaves may not grow as strongly, nor release as much water vapor to help keep the air moist, making vegetation highly vulnerable to combustion during any prolonged dry periods.
New England’s next chance of rain is expected Wednesday and should last through Thursday. A main low will extend a warm front through the region, sparking light, scattered showers on Wednesday. Then, a developing coastal low over New Jersey will surge north through New England on Thursday, bringing more steady rain across all of New England.
As the region slowly gets back to normal rainfall, state officials advise residents to check their community’s website to see if any water restrictions are in place.
“If you’re planting this time of the year, you’ll need to be a little more conscious about hand watering or irrigating if you can,” said meteorologist Dave Epstein.
Marianne Mizera can be reached at marianne.mizera@globe.com. Follow her @MareMizera. Ken Mahan can be reached at ken.mahan@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.
