No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County

08:00AM / Thursday, June 12, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that Western Mass remains at a level 0, normal conditions.

The Southeast Region, the Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast Regions are also a level 0. Islands Region remains at Level 1 – Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region continues at Level 2.

Recent rains have provided relief, but more precipitation is still needed to restore water systems, particularly, groundwater levels in some parts of the state.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 – Mild Drought and a Level – 2 Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.

"We are steadily approaching normal conditions in most of Massachusetts due to the recent rain," said EEA Secretary Tepper. "As the weather warms up and the planting season is in full swing, it’s important to continue to be mindful of our water use to restore groundwater levels."

During May, most of Massachusetts experienced above average precipitation. Several regions experienced rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches, exceeding normal levels by 2 to 6 inches. The Cape and Islands received less rainfall than the rest of the state - in the 3 to 6-inch range. Over the past three months, precipitation has been well above normal with recent rain improving streamflow and reducing fire risk across the state. However, drought conditions since last August continue to affect groundwater levels, which typically take longer to recover. Although some regions have recovered at the regional scale, there may be localized deficits in groundwater levels in a few areas that will take more time for full recovery.

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected data from August 2024 through May 2025.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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