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Nearly 25% of Massachusetts is now considered to be in extreme drought conditions, officials announced Thursday.

Extreme drought usually involves crop loss, wells running dry and rivers and reservoirs running abnormally low. Many towns with water restrictions in place may shift to bans, forecasters said.

The last time there was an extreme drought in parts of Massachusetts was October 2020.

Severe drought conditions still cover 55% of the state.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said the continued dry, hot weather has increased drought-related hazards for much of Massachusetts, including the risk of fires.

*DROUGHT UPDATE* Worsening conditions even with a bit of rain in parts of the state over the past week. We now have EXTREME drought conditions in 25% of MA. SEVERE drought still covers 55% of MA. Boston's rainfall deficit is >9" for the year. #WCVB pic.twitter.com/URphu0lHu6

"We need the public to be especially careful during this time by adhering to local water use restrictions, and exercising caution around any outdoor activities that increase the risk of brush and forest fires such as barbecues, campfires, and safe disposal of smoking materials," MEMA acting director Dawn Brantley said.

"Efforts to minimize water usage now will help our water systems to rebound more quickly, and ensure that essential public health, safety and environmental needs continue to be met."

Massachusetts saw minimal precipitation and high temperatures throughout the state over the past month.

Rainfall was the lowest across eastern Massachusetts, particularly Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, where less than an inch of rain was reported, which is less than 50% of normal precipitation.

Across eastern Massachusetts, rainfall totals ranked within the top 15 driest Julys on record, with Boston and the Blue Hills experiencing the fourth driest, according to the state.

State officials say Massachusetts reservoirs are experiencing "decreasing levels," while the lack of rain is creating dry streambeds and diminished streams in many watersheds, which are leading to a lack of flow, increased turbidity, higher water temperature, and increase in growth of plants and algae in the water.

Groundwater, which is a slow-reacting index, is starting to be impacted in many regions, according to the state.

"The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan," the state said in a news release. "Private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas are being impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation."

Current Massachusetts city and town water restrictions

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