No Drought Conditions In Berkshire County

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BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region has returned to Normal Conditions. 
 
Drought levels remain unchanged throughout the rest of the Commonwealth with the Cape Cod and Islands Regions, and Millers Basin at a Level 2–Significant  Drought; the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley Regions at a Level 1–Mild Drought; and the Southeast Region at Normal Conditions.  
 
Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. Despite some improvements, drought conditions have continued in most of Massachusetts.  
 
During November, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches, with the Cape and Islands Regions seeing the highest totals. However, when looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, many areas still show deficits in precipitation. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring relief to some regions of the state. 
 
The current drought, which began in 2024, has had significant impacts on the natural environment, including
 the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds, resulting in exposed banks, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean. Watering restrictions were implemented over the summer, and the local water supplies are currently stable. 
 
 The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through November 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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Weekend Outlook: Juneteenth and Pride Celebration

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including parades, parties and celebrations.

Editor's Choices

10th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival and Parade
The Common Park, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m.

The 10th annual pride parade and festival with fun games, performances, food, and more.

More information here.

Berkshire Mountain Faerie Festival
Bowe Field, Adams
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit the faerie realm in the Berkshires with food, music, activities, dancing and more. Tickets are sold at the gate for $12 and $5 for kids 12 and under.

More information here.

Juneteenth Celebration
Durant Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March to the park starts at City Hall, followed by music, dance, food, history and more hosted by NAACP Berkshires. The event is free and open to everyone.

Find a full schedule of the day's events here.

Friday 

Switch and Snacks: Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 p.m.

Teens are invited to bring their Nintendo Switches; there also will be multiple games and snacks for kids to enjoy and have fun.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your craft and work with other people that might be doing the same thing as you.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke 
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.

Belt out some of your favorite tunes and show off your voice.

More information here.

Wine Parlor & Bites
Revival House, Adams
Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
 
The Revival House on Commercial Street is hosting chef Xavier Jones for a popup restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays in June. Limited menu; $5 reservation includes beverage. 
 
More information here

Saturday 

UNO Block Party
UNO Community Center, North Adams
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual neighborhood block party features music, games, food, and more activities to enjoy.

More information here.

Stacy Schiff on Samuel Adams
Adams Theater, Park Street
Time: 4 p.m.
 
In conversation with Sara Houghteling, Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff will explore the origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, "The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams," for whom the town is named. Schiff is an Adams native and Williams College graduate. 
 
Tickets and more information here

Scenic Summer Tours
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free tour with a park interpreter to learn about Mount Greylock's history and more that make the Summit popular.

More information here.

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