Red Flag Warning & Critical Drought in MA

Massachusetts is experiencing dry conditions, sunny weather, unseasonably high temperatures, and gusty winds. These combine to create a “flash drought” — an intense dry period that can increase loss of moisture from plants, and reduce moisture in the soil. This can result in damage to crops, shortages in public water supplies, and very low streamflow.

Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and sunny weather. Flash droughts can last 2-6 months and are relatively common in the Northeast. Water conservation is very important. Visit mass.gov/conservemawater to learn how you can conserve water to reduce stress on our water systems.