MAINE, USA — More of Maine is in "extreme" drought since last week , according to a Thursday update from the U.S. Drought Monitor .

The map showed that drier conditions have spread north into Franklin and Washington counties, with the latter now almost entirely experiencing "extreme" drought. Drier conditions have also spread south into Kennebec and Waldo counties.

More than 70% of the state continues to be classified in "severe" to "extreme" drought, according to the monitor.

According to the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) , widespread reports show hundreds of residential wells have run dry, while stream and river levels have plunged to historic lows. Farms across Maine report sharply reduced yields in potatoes, blueberries, and other key crops.

MEMA director Pete Ro

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