Southeast Drought Has Not Relented

Total Area Impacted Shrinks, But Heart Of Drought Resists Change The area of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic covered by abnormally dry conditions shrunk slightly as rains replenished moisture in some regions -- but the heart of the drought in Alabama and neighboring states remained at an "exceptional" stage, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released this morning. "The impact of the drought on farmers remains extremely serious, with Alabama corn still rated 88 percent poor to very poor, and soybeans at 85 percent poor or worse," according to the report. The impacts are widespread and sweeping -- with agriculture, drinking water, wildlife, and residential use all affected. To read the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, click here.