June 2021

Drought Update

Summary Moderate drought has expanded and persisted in the north for a couple of weeks. Abnormally dry conditions continue to persist in most of the southern portion of the state. The groundwater recharge season is past and groundwater levels are below normal across the majority of the state. Streamflows across much of the state are below normal and indicative of hydrological drought. While precipitation outlooks are favoring above normal wetness this summer, the indication is fairly weak. Also, the forecast favors above normal temperatures, which could mean higher evaporation rates. These forecasts are reflected in the Seasonal Drought Outlook released today, which indicates drought removal will be likely in the north by the end of September, but the forecast confidence is rated as moderate to low. The Message NHDES is urging water systems to implement outdoor water use restrictions. Implementing mandatory restrictions is prudent in areas experiencing moderate drought, particularly in areas which experience a significant increase in outdoor water use in the summer. Those areas experiencing abnormally dry conditions should be messaging water conservation to residents and customers, as well as be implementing restrictions based on availability of supplies and increases in demand. Currently 74 water systems have restrictions in place. Community water systems and municipalities should report restrictions to NHDES for posting on the NHDES website using the electronic reporting form. Guidance: Implementing Restrictions at Public Water Systems Lawn Water Restriction Guidance for Municipalities

NHDES Drought Management Information Center

Low-Income Residential Drought Assistance Program

Drought Conditions

U.S. Drought Monitor Since the start of June, moderate drought has expanded in the North. Current conditions: 41% of NH is experiencing moderate drought (D1) conditions. 49% of NH is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. 10% of NH is experiencing normal conditions.

NWS Northeast River Forecast Center: Precipitation Deficits

At the 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day timescales, the majority of the state is experiencing precipitation deficits of 1" to 4". The southwest corner of the state (Cheshire County) is the only area that has received slightly above normal precipitation amounts at all time scales including month to date. Month to date most of the state has received between zero and 2" less than normal.

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Drought Impacts

May NH Geological Survey Monthly Groundwater Level Report Assessment of the state's monitoring network of wells at the end of May indicated declines in groundwater levels. Most wells were showing levels below their monthly averages. The only wells with groundwater levels that were within the normal or above-normal ranges were Nashua, New London, Barnstead, and two Concord bedrock wells.

NH USGS WaterWatch Stream Flows Twenty-eight day average streamflows are below average for the majority of state and indicate hydrologic drought conditions in the northern part of the state, the seacoast region, and the western border.

Forecasts and Outlooks

Precipitation and Temperature Forecasts

Over the next 7 days, there is potential for the majority of the state to receive between 0.25" and 0.75" of precipitation. There is also a slight potential for above normal precipitation the following two weeks. The three month outlook also tilts towards above normal precipitation. Above normal temperatures are also favored over these time periods.

Seasonal Drought Outlook

The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook was released today and forecasts drought to persist in the north through the end of September.

Additional Resources

Regional Forecast - National Weather Service Forecast Discussion Precipitation and Temperature Outlooks - NWS Climate Prediction Center

Visit the NHDES Drought Management Webpage