drought

Heavy precipitation in the fall and early winter have replenished Maine's groundwater levels after a persistent drought reduced them across much of the state last summer, according to Nick Stasulis of the U.S. Geological Service

A law approved by the legislature last year created a drought relief program for Maine farmers, but it was never funded. State officials say capitalizing that fund would be transformational for Maine farmers.

Wild blueberries are native to Maine and have been for thousands of years. But as temperatures rise and droughts become more frequent, wild blueberry growers and researchers say they're looking for new ways to manage the iconic crop.

Because of drought conditions and seasonal demand, Stonington has been forced to look elsewhere for water over the last two summers: it has bought more than a million gallons — about 400,000 last year, and double that this year.

Forecasters warn that the next week or two is supposed to be relatively dry. And Maine isn't expected to see much, if any, precipitation from Hurricane Ian, due to an area of high pressure moving into the region from Canada.

This summer's drought in southern and coastal Maine has prompted more farmers to seek help in replacing or installing new irrigation systems — and for those who haven't, it may just be a matter of time.

Moderate drought conditions linger in parts of Southern Maine. And an area of "severe drought" remains along the coast from about Portland to Penobscot Bay.

Despite Monday's rain, southern York county and the coast to Penobscot Bay remain in a "severe drought" condition.

Monday night's rain likely eased the drought conditions that have worsened this summer.

State agriculture officials say more hives in Maine are showing signs of food stress. When plants need water, they don't produce as much nectar, leaving fewer natural sources of food for bees.