#43. Maine

%2343.+Maine

– Share of state experiencing drought conditions (20-year average): 7,011 sq. mi. (21.6% of land area); 327,597 people (24.7% of population)

— Moderate drought: 3,154 sq. mi. (9.7% of land area); 147,250 people (11.1% of population)

— Severe drought: 1,188 sq. mi. (3.7% of land area); 55,797 people (4.2% of population)

— Extreme drought: 204 sq. mi. (0.6% of land area); 11,930 people (0.9% of population)

— Exceptional drought: zero sq. mi.; no people

After a record lack of rainfall plunged about half of the state into moderate drought conditions in mid-2020, the state has significantly recovered, with only 8% of the state abnormally dry, and none facing actual drought conditions. Blueberry farmers are likely breathing a sigh of relief this year, after 2020 crop production was decimated, first by frost, then drought.