Recent rain brings relief to western Chatham County

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Recent rainfall brought some improvement to drought conditions in parts of central North Carolina, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Aug. 13.

The biggest improvement was in far western Chatham County, which is now considered drought-free after receiving beneficial rainfall in recent weeks.

Not all areas saw the same relief, however. Rainfall has been harder to come by along the North Carolina-Virginia state line, where drought conditions continue to linger.

Dry conditions are also affecting agriculture across the region. Nearly half of North Carolina's corn crop is now rated in poor or very poor condition. Pastureland and hay fields in parts of North Carolina and Virginia are also experiencing stress due to ongoing dryness.

Forecasters say additional rainfall will be needed in the coming weeks to bring broader improvements to drought conditions across the region.