State officials on Tuesday described drought conditions across most of Massachusetts as “critical.”

Rainfall reached “an unprecedented level over the past three months,” according to a statement from the state’s Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Secretary of State Rebecca Tepper has elevated the West, Connecticut River Valley and Southeast to “Level 3,” or “critical drought.” The same category persists in the Center and Northeast regions.

A drought management working group will meet every two weeks in the coming months to provide responsive monitoring, the secretariat said.

A Level 3 drought requires “detailed monitoring of drought conditions, continued coordination between state and federal agencies to communicate on the implementation of water use restrictions, a declaration of no water burning “open air, engagement with municipalities, including local boards of health, technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities,” the state said.

There were 37 active wildfires in Massachusetts as of Tuesday.

“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” Tepper said in a statement. “Climate change is reshaping our region’s weather patterns, resulting in warmer, drier fall and winter seasons. Water conservation is more important than ever.

Authorities urged residents to minimize their water consumption.

“We must work together to ensure we have enough drinking water, protect wildlife habitats and maintain effective fire control,” Tepper said. “Every little effort counts.”

Most of the state has received less than an inch of rain over the past 30 days, which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal. Since August, all regions except the Cape and Islands have experienced a rainfall deficit of 8 to 11 inches.

The Cape and Islands remain at “level 0”, or normal conditions.

With reporting by Michael P. Norton of State House News Service