The Southeast and South: Western Georgia and areas in Alabama continue to encounter various agricultural and hydrological impacts due to the persistence of severe drought (D2) dating back to spring. This led to agricultural disaster declarations for 65 counties in AL and all of GA on Oct. 28th. The drought in KY has led to water shortage warnings or emergencies in close to 100 counties.

Recent (Nov 1-2) moderate to heavy (1-4") widespread rains in the Southeast (AL, W GA and FL panhandle) and Tennessee and Ohio Valleys will help going into winter but are not enough to end the drought in most areas. They are still experiencing drought (D1) in the region after being in severe drought (D2) for several weeks.

Most of Texas continues to see drought (D1) or abnormally dry (D0) conditions. Some minor rains came to north central and northeast TX over the weekend but the heavier rains fell to the north in Oklahoma and western Arkansas.

Outlook: Little precipitation, if any, is expected in this region over the next 2 weeks. In addition, above normal temperatures are expected so conditions could deteriorate quickly despite recent rains. Most of Texas is expected to be above normal temperature wise, with central and north- central Texas seeing a chance for above normal precipitation as well.

The Midwest: Severe drought (D2) is still affecting many areas in the upper Midwest spreading west into IN although some light rains were seen early this week across parts of the Corn Belt.

The Corn Belt and Great Plains continue to see dryness that has persisted since early September or August in some parts. Many locations experienced record dryness in October and haven't seen rain for well over a month. As a result, major concerns in this region deal with the current winter wheat crop and soil moisture recharge for next spring. Current topsoil moisture values range from 59% short-very short in OH to 93% in IA with values from 70-80% common in the neighborhood.

Outlook: Much of this region looks to be in a bull's eye for both above normal temperatures and below normal (or no) precipitation in the next ten days ending November 19^th. Look for the drought to intensify and spread west into the western fringes of the Corn Belt if this pattern holds true.

The West: There are some signs now of improving conditions in the areas needing it most in the Pacific NW. The severe drought (D2) in SE Washington and eastern Oregon has improved to a drought (D1) designation after seeing .5 to 2 inches of precipitation. This brought relief to dryland producers in the region and has also reduced their fire risk.

Outlook: As winter approaches, a more normal pattern is expected in the West and Pacific NW over the next couple of weeks. There is the potential for light to moderate precipitation in the next 5 days across most of N CA, OR, WA and N ID.

Non-contiguous U.S.: Conditions continue to improve in Hawaii although agricultural producers could still use additional rains.

There are no significant dryness problems in Alaska, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Outlook: In Hawaii, gradual improvement is expected during the remainder of the year as seasonal rains increase.