Don’t be fooled, 96 percent of Alabama remains in drought

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Don’t let the fact that the Yellowhammer State has seen some much-needed rain in recent weeks fool you — the state is very much still in a drought.

Alabama Drought
Alabama Drought Monitor statistics from Dec. 20, 2016 [Photo Credit: Federal Drought Monitor]

New statistics released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center confirm 96 percent of the state remains in a drought and according to a federal assessment 4.6 million Alabamians are still affected by dry conditions.

While the recent rains have largely reduced the risk of wildfires across the state, state climatologist John Christy has said 1 inch of rain is needed every week in order to improve the state’s arid conditions.