Lawn Brown? Most of Maine is Experiencing a Moderate Drought

The weather for the summer of 2020 has been a rough one, but that seems appropriate given everything else that has been thrown our way this year. We're breaking records left and right.

For instance, according to the National Weather Service in Gray, we had an average temperature of 73.7° in Portland and an average low of 65.6°, the warmest on record since they started keeping records in 1940. And we all can feel how humid it has been for so long. My electric bill jumped by $100 in the past month since I've been running an air conditioner in the bedroom at night and a dehumidifier in the basement 24-7.

Then there's the lack of rain. According to National Weather Service data, from July 15 to August 12, Portland has only received 0.23 inches of rain. Of course we know what happens in Portland doesn't happen in the rest of the state, but take a look at the latest drought monitor report and you'll see that most of the state is experiencing a moderate drought. Western Maine seems to be in better shape than most and parts of Arroostook, Somerset and Piscataquis counties are in a serve drought.

There's no doubt about it. We need some rain! The forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and some showers possible Monday and Tuesday, but it doesn't sound like the good soaking we really need.