County remains drought free

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While nearly three-quarters of the state is listed in a drought, Scurry County remains drought free, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.

Scurry, Fisher and Borden counties are among the 29 percent listed as drought-free this week. The remaining 71 percent of a state is listed in a drought, including 35 percent listed as abnormally dry.

The percentage of the state listed as drought-free has declined over the past few weeks. Last week, 40 percent of the state was drought-free while 54 percent was drought-free on Nov. 16.

The U.S. Drought Monitor estimated that more than 10.4 million Texans are in a drought-free area. No areas of the state are listed in the top two drought conditions, which are extreme and exceptional.

Scurry County has received 14.65 inches of rain this year, which is more than 10 inches less than this time a year ago. Through November 2016, 25.77 inches of rain were recorded.

This month alone, the county has received only 0.64 inches of rain, which is the lowest total since 0.25 of an inch was recorded in November 2013.

According to the National Weather Service’s five-day forecast, no rain is predicted and highs will be in the low to mid 70s while lows will be in the 50s. A cold front is expected to move through Tuesday night.