The entire state of Maine continues to be under at least moderate drought, with condition remaining unchanged over the past week.

The Drought Monitor shows much of southern Maine is still under severe drought while coastal areas from Portland to Bar Harbor remain under extreme drought.

(Maine Drought Map as of September 24, 2026)

However, some drought relief is expected in the coastal area with up to three inches of precipitation expected this weekend’s nor’easter.

Forecasters say the storm is not likely to change conditions in the northern part of the state where much less rain is expected.

Almost 1.4 million Mainers are currently living under drought conditions.

Maine experienced its most damaging drought between 1999 and 2002, during which an estimated 17,000 private wells ran dry, and farmers lost more than $32 million in crop yield.

More recently, Maine experienced significant droughts in both 2016 and 2020-2022, with widespread impacts to water supply, agriculture, and recreation.