WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Thursday's drought report from the USDA shows eastern North Carolina's drought worsened over the last week.  Severe drought conditions now exist along all coastal counties in eastern North Carolina.  Moderate drought conditions are in place from inland counties over to the Triangle area. 

The rainfall data from 2011 supports these designations.  Wilmington's rainfall deficit is now 8.64" for the year.  New Bern's deficit is the highest in the state at 11.44".  Near I-95 Lumberton is running a deficit of 6.08". 

Little or no rain is expected between now and Sunday.  Early next week isolated showers and thunderstorms will make a return to the forecast.  A widespread soaking rain is unlikely over the next seven days. 

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