Abnormal heat and limited rain has led to drought conditions across several parts of Massachusetts.
On Friday, the Commonwealth declared a Level 2- Significant Drought in the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, and Northeast regions.
A Level 2 declaration indicates that conditions are significantly dry and should be monitored, according to the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan. Federal and state agencies could make water conservation efforts such as mandating watering restrictions, and providing water assistance for the affected areas.
The Drought Management Plan also calls for residents to limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans and use them only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m., one day a week.