NWA is State’s Drought Exception

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The latest data shows that drought conditions are improving in Arkansas, though parts of northern Arkansas remain in exceptional drought status.

This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 8 percent of Arkansas is in exceptional drought — the worst possible status. Earlier this month, more than 45 percent of the state was in an exceptional drought.

The counties currently classified as in exceptional drought are: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Searcy, Stone and Washington.

This week, about 33 percent of Arkansas is classified as in extreme drought. The remainder of the state is in moderate or severe drought, with a handful of areas classified as abnormally dry. (CBS NEWS)