As expected, the warm and dry conditions in the southern part of our region have led to a big increase in the area covered by moderate (D1) drought this week. There were minor expansions of abnormally dry conditions (D0) in Alabama and Georgia on the fringes of the drought area. A wetter pattern in week 2 should eventually stop the growth of drought in that area, although next week should still be fairly dry. The wetter pattern will continue into weeks 3 and 4 along with cooler temperatures.
