Extreme drought conditions return.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report indicates extreme drought conditions have returned to portions of central Alabama, including Tuscaloosa County.
The report released on Thursday reflects a break in a trend this winter of gradually improving drought conditions.
At the time of last week’s report, extreme drought conditions had eased in the state.
The extreme drought conditions exist in an area spanning parts of Pickens, Greene, Tuscaloosa, Hale, Bibb, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.
The area remains under a long-term drought, which is a period lasting longer than six months typically.
Remaining areas in the south-central part of the state are abnormally dry or near normal.
Rainfall within the past week was not enough to provide any significant improvement in the long-term drought conditions, according to the report.
Tuscaloosa reported 10.67 inches of precipitation so far this year, about an inch above average.
The forecast for the end of the week calls for a 40 percent chance of rain on Friday and highs in the 80s before temperatures cool on Saturday and Sunday with highs in the 60s.