Even with 2 inches of rain recorded in Brookhaven Friday morning, and more rain in the forecast for midweek, the majority of Lincoln County is experiencing severe drought, according to the U. S. Drought Monitor. Some of the eastern portions of the county are in moderate drought.

In moderate drought areas, more wildfires occur than normal and wildlife search for water. In severe drought, burn bans expand, the ground is cracking causing road damage, and hydroelectric power output decreases, causing energy costs to rise.

Copiah and Pike counties are also seeing moderate and severe drought. Walthall and Lawrence counties are under moderate drought conditions.

Parts of Jefferson, Franklin, Amite, Adams and Wilkinson counties are experiencing extreme drought, which can even cause damage to home foundations and walls.

Rainfall levels were near normal for the week ending March 12, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. The CPC forecasted in late February that the drought areas would remain but improve for much of the affected area in Mississippi, and that areas in the central north-south corridor of the state would likely come out of drought conditions, if rains persist.