Below average and infrequent rainfall from May through September 2020 led to an extreme hydrologic drought across much of New England, with some areas experiencing a flash (quick-onset) drought.
The abrupt change in precipitation from at or above average in early May to as much as 4 in. below average in September 2020 and the resulting precipitous declines in streamflows and groundwater levels have been characterized as a flash drought (reflecting its quick onset) at some locations in New England, including northern Maine, southeastern Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island, and northeastern Connecticut. The 2020 drought rivaled other historic droughts, including those in 1995 and 1998–2002, in terms of intensity and geographic effects. Although streamflows and groundwater levels began to recover in October and November 2020, full recovery will depend on precipitation during the coming winter and spring.
Working within the constraints of strict travel restrictions, technicians and scientists collected more than 350 additional field measurements to define stage-discharge relationships and ensure accurate data for decision makers; held or attended 26 virtual meetings for drought committees to discuss hydrologic conditions with Federal, State, and local partners; and brought drought-related expertise to the public through 15 media encounters.
Please check the “2020 drought in New England” publication for more info.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
New England Drought Information
Towards Understanding the Impact of Drought on the Arsenic Hazard for the Private Domestic Well Population in the United States
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
What causes drought?
A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. The amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year, but over a period of years the average amount is fairly constant. In the deserts of the Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. In contrast, the average precipitation in the Northwest is more than...
When does a drought begin and end?
The beginning of a drought is difficult to determine. Several weeks, months, or even years might pass before people know that a drought is occurring. The end of a drought can occur as gradually as it began. The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin to decrease. The effects of a drought on flow in...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Why doesn't a drought end when it rains?
Rainfall in any form will provide some drought relief. A good analogy might be how medicine and illness relate to each other. A single dose of medicine can alleviate symptoms of illness, but it usually takes a sustained program of medication to cure an illness. Likewise, a single rainstorm will not break the drought, but it might provide temporary relief. A light to moderate shower will probably...
- Overview
Below average and infrequent rainfall from May through September 2020 led to an extreme hydrologic drought across much of New England, with some areas experiencing a flash (quick-onset) drought.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.2020 drought impact on Segreganset River near USGS station 01109070, Dighton, Massachusetts. (Credit: Casey Beaudoin, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center. Public domain.) The abrupt change in precipitation from at or above average in early May to as much as 4 in. below average in September 2020 and the resulting precipitous declines in streamflows and groundwater levels have been characterized as a flash drought (reflecting its quick onset) at some locations in New England, including northern Maine, southeastern Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island, and northeastern Connecticut. The 2020 drought rivaled other historic droughts, including those in 1995 and 1998–2002, in terms of intensity and geographic effects. Although streamflows and groundwater levels began to recover in October and November 2020, full recovery will depend on precipitation during the coming winter and spring.
Working within the constraints of strict travel restrictions, technicians and scientists collected more than 350 additional field measurements to define stage-discharge relationships and ensure accurate data for decision makers; held or attended 26 virtual meetings for drought committees to discuss hydrologic conditions with Federal, State, and local partners; and brought drought-related expertise to the public through 15 media encounters.
Please check the “2020 drought in New England” publication for more info.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
New England Drought Information
Droughts are one of the most expensive and damaging hydrologic hazards in the United States. They are generally slow in developing, frequently occur over a long period of time, and can affect large areas and populations.Towards Understanding the Impact of Drought on the Arsenic Hazard for the Private Domestic Well Population in the United States
The USGS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining the potential effects of droughts on the arsenic hazard in private well water across the Nation. - Data
- Multimedia
- Publications
- Web Tools
- FAQ
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
What causes drought?
A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. The amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year, but over a period of years the average amount is fairly constant. In the deserts of the Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. In contrast, the average precipitation in the Northwest is more than...
When does a drought begin and end?
The beginning of a drought is difficult to determine. Several weeks, months, or even years might pass before people know that a drought is occurring. The end of a drought can occur as gradually as it began. The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin to decrease. The effects of a drought on flow in...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Why doesn't a drought end when it rains?
Rainfall in any form will provide some drought relief. A good analogy might be how medicine and illness relate to each other. A single dose of medicine can alleviate symptoms of illness, but it usually takes a sustained program of medication to cure an illness. Likewise, a single rainstorm will not break the drought, but it might provide temporary relief. A light to moderate shower will probably...