MAINE, USA — The weekly drought monitor update is out, and there has been some minor improvement.

While the vast majority of southern and central Maine remains in extreme drought, it's down from 43% of the state last week to 32% this week.

Streamflow levels have improved, but groundwater deficits and dry wells continue.

James Sinko, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Caribou, said it is a groundwater drought now, and to a lesser extent, a surface drought. Heading into winter, snow does not provide an immediate benefit for drought recovery until it melts and enters the wider water system.

According to the National Weather Service, the severity of the drought suggests some degree of long-term drought conditions will likely continue into the winter. Once the ground is froz

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