Gov. Lamont Declares Stage 2 Drought Advisory For 3 Connecticut Counties

Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday declared a Stage 2 drought advisory for Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties following several months of below-normal rainfall.

The move raises the drought status for those counties from Stage 1, which currently applies to the rest of Connecticut. A Stage 2 designation indicates an emerging drought that could affect water supplies, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. It is the second of five drought stages outlined in the state’s Drought Preparedness and Response Plan.

"The lack of rain over these last several months has impacted all of Connecticut, and in particular the regions around Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties," Lamont said in a statement. "The purpose of increasing these counties to Stage 2 is to raise awareness that as this lack of rain continues, there is a possibility that this emerging drought event could intensify."

Rain is in the forecast for Wednesday morning, and also for this weekend.

Lamont’s decision follows a recommendation from the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup, which met Oct. 2 to assess precipitation, groundwater, reservoir levels, soil moisture, vegetation, and fire danger. The panel, made up of representatives from several state agencies, advises the governor on drought conditions and response actions.

"We have experienced drier than normal conditions this summer and continuing into the fall," said Martin Heft, undersecretary of the Office of Policy and Management and chair of the drought workgroup. "Across New England, we have been witnessing drought conditions. We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought be prolonged."

State officials are urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water by turning off automatic outdoor irrigation, fixing leaks, and following any conservation requests from local water suppliers or municipalities.

The last time drought advisories were issued in Connecticut was in November 2024, when all eight counties were placed under Stage 2 conditions.

Connecticut’s drought stages are:

• Stage 1: Below normal conditions
• Stage 2: Incipient drought
• Stage 3: Moderate drought
• Stage 4: Severe drought
• Stage 5: Extreme drought

The Interagency Drought Workgroup includes representatives from the departments of Agriculture; Emergency Services and Public Protection; Energy and Environmental Protection; Public Health; the Office of Policy and Management; and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, with input from the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

More information on the state’s drought plan is available at portal.ct.gov/Water/Drought/Drought-Home.