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Click here for graphic showing U.S. Department of Commerce logo and link to site Climate of 2002 - September
Maine Drought

National Climatic Data Center, 11 October 2002

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The statewide precipitation pattern in Maine during the last 12 months has consisted of considerable month-to-month variability. September was wetter than normal, following an extremely dry August. The overall pattern of dryness has given the state the 14th driest hydrologic year (October-September) in the 108-year record.

As noted by the State Climate Office (Dr. Gregory Zielinski), drought conditions in Maine lessened during September. Most sites around the state received above average precipitation with northern parts receiving almost an inch above the norm (without the contribution from Isidore's remnants) and some central parts receiving about 0.8 inch above average (with a contribution from Isidore). Southern most parts of the state were only slightly above average, but this was quite a contrast from the unofficial record dryness of August for the state as a whole. Only the northernmost part of the state remained under severe drought conditions as of the October 1 Drought Monitor. The remaining parts were under moderate drought conditions with the easternmost coast under abnormally dry conditions. Overall, September was an improving month!

Statewide Precipitation Ranks
for Maine , 2001-2002
Period Rank
Sep 34th wettest
( 75th driest)
Aug-Sep 13th driest
Jul-Sep 16th driest
Jun-Sep 30th driest
May-Sep 33rd driest
Apr-Sep 50th driest
Mar-Sep 43rd driest
Feb-Sep 43rd driest
Jan-Sep 39th driest
Dec-Sep 32nd driest
Nov-Sep 23rd driest
Oct-Sep 14th driest
Click here for graphic showing Maine statewide precipitation departures, January 1998 - present
larger image

Click here for graphic showing Maine statewide Palmer Z Index, January 1998 - present
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Click here for graphic showing Maine statewide precipitation, October-September 1895-2002
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Click here for graphic showing Maine statewide Palmer Hydrological Drought Index, January 1900 - September 2002
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Graphic showing NOAA logo NCDC / Clim. Monitoring / Climate-2002 / Sep / U.S. Regional Drought / Search / Help

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Last Updated Thursday, 14-Jul-2005 15:13:36 EDT by Richard.Heim@noaa.gov
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