By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – The U.S. Drought Monitor Survey shows a significant improvement in drought stricken areas across the Southeast. Now, just less than 20 percent of the region is gripped by the worst conditions on the scale.
In Alabama, those D-4 or exceptional rating covers almost 37 percent of the state - that's about 5 percent less than last week. Recent heavy rains helped bring relief to some of the region.
The Survey, released Thursday, reports the biggest improvements occurred in southwest Alabama and southwest Georgia. Still, 15 percent of Georgia remains under D-4 conditions.
The northern half of Alabama and northern Georgia have 12-month rainfall deficit of 20 or more inches. Exceptional drought conditions also remain in about 19 percent of Tennessee, 16 percent of South Carolina and 40 percent of North Carolina.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)