West Coast Style Weather Strikes Northeastern U.S.

In this photo taken Thursday, July 21, 2016, Peter Ellermann waters his garden at the Community Gardens in Concord, N.H. The summer drought has forced Ellermann to cart in 30 gallons of water in five fallen containers three times a week to keep his plants healthy. Parts of the Northeast are in the grips of a drought that has led to water restrictions, wrought havoc on gardens and raised concerns among farmers. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — West Coast style weather is striking the Northeastern U.S.

Heat and drought-like conditions are posing serious concerns for farmers and prompting water use restrictions and bans in some towns. The dry spell is hitting the region from Maine to Pennsylvania. Wildfire flames are lapping at parts of Massachusetts, and Maine is expecting a smaller blueberry crop.

Hardest hit are Massachusetts, western New York, and the southern climes of New Hampshire and Maine.

A second year of below-average rainfall and fewer big storms this year are driving the dry blast of weather.

National weather experts say the drought could persist until the end of October.