The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has announced that, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over the past two weeks, “moderate drought” conditions have developed across New Hampshire and “significant drought” has developed along most of the state’s border with Massachusetts.
A low snowpack this past winter and an early spring melt coupled with below average rainfall over the past few months have contributed to dry conditions. Additionally, over the past 30 days, only 25 percent to 50 percent of normal precipitation was received throughout most of the state.
These conditions led to a rapid decline in soil moisture, surface water levels, and streamflow, which resulted in the drought declaration. So far, groundwater levels in the southern part of the state are somewhat variable, however, uniform low groundwater levels along the Connecticut Valley have been measured along with very low stream flows in the northeast section of the state.
Drought conditions are likely to persist. Precipitation outlooks indicate that the volume of rain needed to alleviate drought conditions in the next few months is unlikely to materialize. Also, temperature outlooks are signaling a potential for higher-than-normal temperatures, which can exacerbate drought conditions.
The historically observed impacts of these drought designations can also be found on the U.S. Drought Monitor, including information about effects to the environment, agriculture, and the public.
To protect public water supplies and residential well supplies, NHDES is urging the public, community water systems and municipalities to implement outdoor water use restrictions, such as limiting lawn watering to before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and to odd and even days.
A map of drought conditions, a list of utilities restricting water use, and drought guidance, are available at NHDES Drought Management.
