MAINE, USA — A new U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows that drought conditions in Maine are holding mostly steady amid recent rainfall across the state.

From last week to this week, the portion of the state experiencing "extreme" drought rose by less than 0.1%, covering roughly 43% of Maine. Areas in "severe" drought decreased by about 9%, now totaling 81% of the state. All of Maine is under at least "moderate" drought conditions.

Counties currently under "extreme" drought include Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, and York.

Rainfall in the past week ranged from 0.5 to 2 inches in much of western Maine, while the eastern half of the state saw 2 to 4 inches, with the highest tot

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