All eight counties in Connecticut are experiencing stage 2 drought conditions because of little or no rainfall, officials say.

Gov. Lamont approved a recommendation by the State of Connecticut’s Interagency Drought Working Group to declare that all eight Connecticut counties are experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions due to precipitation across the state being below normal. Under the state’s drought plan adopted in 2018, Stage 2 identifies an emerging drought event, potentially impacting water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

The eastern part of the state is experiencing both abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions, according to U.S. Drought Monitor.

Stage 2 is the second of five stages of drought defined in the Connecticut Drought Response and Preparedness Plan.

The Interagency Drought Workgroup classified New London and Windham counties as being at Stage 1 on June 2, when there were early signals of abnormally dry conditions. That stage is intended as a “heads up” regarding the possibility of a developing drought.