MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- Measurable rain arrived in parts of the local region and the Southeast in general, but recent activity hasn't been enough to reduce the extent of the long-term drought.
Local North Florida counties had minimal change from last week in the Drought Monitor update Thursday. Abnormally Dry conditions persist in the lower and middle Suwannee Valley, while severe-level drought is situated in the Apalachicola River basin.
The Severe category also straddles the Florida/Georgia state line west of the Withlacoochee River.
An expansion of the Extreme Drought level now includes interior south Georgia areas, including Mitchell and Colquitt counties and points north.
Agricultural efforts in south Georgia continue to be heavily disrupted by the worsening dryness. The Georgia state climatologist reports shortages of hay in Seminole County and irrigated crop yields reduced 15% to 20% in Cook County because of the lack of rain in the late parts of the growing season.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture states topsoil moisture levels in 59% of Florida were reported "short" or "very short."
