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MA Drought Hits 'Extreme' for First Time Since 2010
As the temperatures tick toward triple digits, portions of Middlesex and Essex Counties are suffering from an extreme rainfall deficit.
An 'extreme drought' has hit portions of Massachusetts for the first time since 2010 as temperatures crawled toward triple digits Thursday.
The drought has been upgraded to "extreme" in much of Middlesex County and most of Essex County. The majority of the rest of the state is still in a "severe" drought warning. Everywhere except Nantucket is at least "abnormally dry."
Excessive heat & humidity today. Plan outdoor activities for early this morning or later this evening. pic.twitter.com/Oomdmjkn9J
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 11, 2016
As the drought intensifies, so does the heat. As the heat index - which factors in humidity along with temperature - hits 100 degrees, many parts of the state will "without a doubt" experience their hottest time of the summer, said NECN meteorologist Aaron Perry. The state remains under a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service until 7 p.m. Thursday.
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Boston and Worcester have each seen rainfall deficits of around 8 inches, something that a rainy Wednesday and scattered storms over the weekend (starting Friday) will help, but fall short of solving.
Image courtesy of the National Weather Service Boston via Twitter.
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