AUGUSTA – New data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows Maine remains under “severe” or “extreme” drought conditions, but rain coming later this week might offer some relief.

The monitor’s data shows more than 90% of the state is under severe or extreme conditions, with a band across the central part of the state representing extreme drought.

The data showed some relief for central and southern New England, while heavy rains continue to elude much of Maine. Spectrum Meteorologist Ian Cassette said there hasn’t been a drought this bad in Maine since 2002.

“This is one of the worst droughts we’ve had in this century,” he said. 

The 2002 drought, Cassette said, lasted nine months and happened at the peak of growing season, costing the state $30 million in lost crops.

This year’s drought, Cassette said, is unlikely to generate such losses, but it’s still extreme. Right now, he said, rivers such as the Kennebec are at extreme low levels.

Cassette added that a storm is expected to move through the Pine Tree State starting on Thursday, delivering some much-needed precipitation.

“The good news is that most models indicate this is going to be fruitful, with widespread rain totals of one to three inches of rain and even potentially up to four inches or more in some areas, so we need an event like that.” 

Cassette said the rains are unlikely to reverse the drought entirely, but called the predicted rains “a step in the right direction.”