While a few rounds of rainfall over the past week didn’t hurt, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report shows it wasn’t nearly enough to break dry conditions that rapidly developed in July through the first half of this month.

The vast majority of Marion and Warren Counties remain in severe drought conditions, with all surrounding counties rated as moderate.

A few rounds of scattered thunderstorms remain possible mainly this evening into early Saturday, although widespread heavy rainfall is not expected. There is a slight risk for severe weather, with large hail and damaging winds the primary threats, mainly after sunset.