Drought over, but drier-than-normal conditions persist in a large portion of Delaware

The U.S. Drought monitor  reported about 37% of the state is still seeing abnormally dry conditions in an area extending from the state's northern boundary to the Dover area. 

Much of the state experienced a drought that started in the fall and lasted through the winter.

Reduced flow from the Delaware River led to higher levels of salt upriver.

Rainfall returned in the spring and the lack of rain did not have an impact on crops that had already been harvested. 

Northern Delaware has seen brush and mulch fires, due to low humidity and windy conditions.

New Jersey and portions of Pennsylvania have seen forest fires. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications ranging from abnormally dry to four levels of drought.

The map is jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Drought Mitigation Center. 

This map is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trigger some disaster declarations and loan eligibility. 

The map is updated weekly.

A slow-moving storm systen is expected to arrive later in the weekend and bring additional riain, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall amounts between one and three inches are possible into Tuesday.