Western Mass back to normal as drought persists on Cape, Islands

After a soggy November, most of Massachusetts has shaken off drought conditions — but Cape Cod and the Islands are still thirsty.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said Wednesday that Cape Cod, the Islands and Millers Basin remain in a level 2 significant drought, while the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley regions are at level 1, or mild drought.

Despite 3 to 5 inches of rain in November, much of Massachusetts is still dry after months of below-average rainfall.

The drought, which began in 2024, has lowered water levels and stressed ecosystems.

The state’s Drought Management Task Force will meet again in January to review conditions.