Alabama's Drought Worsens, Relief on the Way

0:00It's April 30th. You're listening to Birmingham News today, AI-powered local news. Alabama's drought just took a turn for the worst in the latest US drought monitor report. No part of the state is drought-free anymore, with 100% and at least moderate drought. Severe drought covers 88.68%, extreme hits 47.93%, and a tiny 0.30%. Percent is in the worst exceptional level. That report dropped Thursday, but misses the heavy rain that hit Tuesday and Wednesday. North and central areas soaked up over 4 inches in spots from 7am. April 28th to 7am. The next day. South Alabama got some later Wednesday too. South Alabama is bearing the brunt, mostly in level 3 extreme drought out of 4, with a sliver in level 4. It's a slight uptick from last week across the board, no relief in sight on paper yet. South Alabama could see 1.5 to 4 inches through next week, per the National Weather Service.

1:02Longer outlooks from NOAA show 40 to 50% odds of above average rain, May 7th through 13th, for much of the state. Next week's drought monitor, out May 7th, should reflect that moisture and dial back some pain. Keep eyes on the skies, Alabama released brewing.