BOSTON (AP) - Drought conditions improved across Massachusetts thanks to rainfall in October, state officials said Monday.
Precipitation totals for last month were at or above normal levels, ranging from 5 to 6 inches, with higher totals in parts of the southern and northeastern regions.
As a result, State Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said officials have downgraded southeastern Massachusetts from a Level 3 “Critical Drought” to a Level 2 “Significant Drought.”
Cape Cod remains at Level 2 - unchanged from last month - and conditions have improved to a Level 1 “Mild Drought” elsewhere, she said.
Conditions in the northern reaches of central Massachusetts worsened, however. The Nashua River basin now stands at Level 2.
Theoharides said residents should continue to conserve water to minimize drought impacts.
Residents should also exercise caution when using backyard fire pits, charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames outdoors as drought conditions pose an increased threat of brush and forest fires, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Samantha Phillips said.
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