BOSTON - Federal authorities say much of the Northeast is experiencing drought conditions, with sections of New York and Massachusetts among the driest.
The U.S. Drought Monitor said Thursday that western New York, the state's Finger Lakes region, as well as much of central and northeastern Massachusetts are experiencing severe drought conditions. The severe conditions extend into southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.
"Severe'' is the third most serious of five drought intensity levels.
Most of the rest of New England as well as New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are considered either abnormally dry or under moderate drought conditions.
The Boston Globe reports that more than 120 towns across Massachusetts have put mandatory water restrictions in place, and are eyeing further measures if rain doesn't arrive.