Drought getting worse in Massachusetts as hot and dry weather likely to continue

By Terry Eliasen, Meteorologist, WBZ-TV Exec. Weather Producer

BOSTON - The drought is worsening. Lawns are brown and crunchy, plants and trees are drooping and most cities and towns have enacted some sort of water restriction or ban. 

The updated "drought monitor" came out Thursday and once again we saw an expansion. In Massachusetts the area of "severe drought" climbed from 26% to 44% in just the last 7 days.

In Boston the numbers are approaching disturbing levels. In less than 5 months, the rainfall deficit in the city and surrounding area has grown to about 8 inches on average.

While we have a few small chances of rain Thursday and Friday, the overall weather outlook is for more of the same. We are looking at another potential heat wave next week, perhaps even hotter than the last.

And looking farther out, the hot and dry pattern is likely to continue into August and the first part of fall.