CHARLESTON, W.Va. — According to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, a few days of rain earlier this week have prevented drought conditions in the southernmost portion of West Virginia from worsening, though the region remains in severe drought.
The agency’s weekly update indicated no change in the status of areas that border eastern Virginia, including Mercer and Monroe Counties, which remain under the severe drought designation, along with most of McDowell County. Raleigh, Fayette, Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties continue to experience a mix of moderate and severe drought conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, the area would need to receive a minimum of 6 inches of rain to completely eliminate the drought.
A statewide burning ban issued in late September was lifted by Gov. Jim Justice Wednesday, though a state of emergency remains in effect due to ongoing drought conditions affecting West Virginia, with the exception of an area bordering southeastern Ohio.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service said they anticipate showers to develop in southern West Virginia during the weekend, though the total amount of precipitation is expected to result in less than one tenth of one inch of accumulation.