Air Quality
Connecticut struggles with summer ozone blown in from the New York metro area despite low local emissions.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Connecticut counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
- •Connecticut regularly fails federal ozone standards because of pollution transported from upwind states.
Wildfires
Connecticut averages roughly 150 acres burned by wildfires annually, a relatively low figure nationally.
- •Connecticut faces far less wildfire risk than western U.S. states due to its climate and land cover.
Drought
As of recent U.S. Drought Monitor data, about 0% of Connecticut was experiencing drought conditions.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
- •Drought conditions in Connecticut can fluctuate significantly season to season.
Water Usage
Connecticut relies on surface reservoirs and the Connecticut River basin for most of its water supply.
Emissions
Connecticut emitted approximately 32.0 metric tons of energy-related CO2 per capita in 2022, per EIA data.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOCTA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOCTA).
- •Connecticut's per-capita emissions are influenced heavily by its electricity generation mix.
Climate Indicators
Sea-level rise along Long Island Sound and heavier rainfall are Connecticut’s main climate risks.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.