Over Half of New Hampshire Still in Extreme Drought Even After Recent Rain

Despite recent rain, New Hampshire can't shake off its drought. 

The state continues to face severe drought conditions, with more than half the state classified as experiencing "extreme drought," according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.

The storm on Monday, Oct. 20, delivered approximately 1.26 inches of rain, with another half an inch falling on Wednesday, Oct. 22, according to a measurement in Concord. Even with this rain, the area is still approximately 5 inches behind normal rainfall levels for this time of year based on the average from 1991 through 2020.

Concord, which usually receives about 14 inches of rain from July through October, has received only about 9 inches so far this year.

According to a News 9 report, rainfall amounts across various New Hampshire towns from storms during the week of Oct. 20 ranged from approximately 0.19 inches in Coos County to more than 1.36 inches in Nottingham, Rockingham County. Some areas, like Hudson in Hillsborough County, received 1.11 inches, while Nashua received more than 0.86 inches.

Changing rainfall patterns, characterized by intense but less frequent storms, are contributing to the ongoing drought and increasing the state's vulnerability to drought and flooding impacts, according to Mary Stampone, New Hampshire State climatologist.

Ted Diers, assistant water division director at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, said that people with wells on their property should welcome the recent rainfall.

New Hampshire has received 181 reports of dry wells since July, from all parts of the state, Diers said in a statement shared with The Boston Globe.

The longer-term drought forecast hasn't changed: According to Diers, drought is expected to continue in the months ahead.