Drought and fire danger are increasing across Maine as the weekend approaches.
The entire state is now under a high fire danger, according to the Maine Forest Service.
(Maine Forest Service)
Meanwhile, 60 percent of the state is now under severe drought conditions, which now includes the Portland area.
And 6 percent of the state is now under extreme drought, including the northern sections of Cumberland and Androscoggin counties, as well as a significant portion of Oxford County.
(U.S. Drought Monitor)
The next chance for rain in the state is Tuesday night and Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Gray is forecasting a 30 percent chance of rain at that time.
Otherwise, the outlook for rain remains bleak, with below-normal precipitation highly likely for the rest of September.