Drought remains unchanged locally in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report. Abnormally dry conditions are in play along and north of Highway 92, with moderate drought in extreme northern Marion County. A prolonged stretch of hotter than average and drier than normal conditions is expected to be in place over the next few weeks, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, which is likely to worsen soil conditions and river flows, and re-aggravate short term drought across the region.