Almost six months after Massachusetts was declared drought-free, abnormally dry conditions have returned to most of the state, according to the US Drought Monitor.
Abnormally dry is the monitor’s lowest drought intensity classification and currently applies to 58.35 percent of the state, including much of Essex County, Bristol County, Plymouth County, and Western Massachusetts.
Norfolk County, Middlesex County, and Hampden County represent the 31.78 percent of the state currently experiencing a moderate drought, according to the data. Northern Worcester County is abnormally dry, while the southern half of the area is in a moderate drought.
“It’s been much warmer than normal this fall,” she said.
“We should always be paying attention to conserving water and using it wisely,” she said.