Rainfall throughout the state this week has drastically helped with the smoldering temperatures the state has faced in recent weeks, but unfortunately weather predictors do not expect the rainfall to stay.

This year will go down as the year of the drought in Alabama, forecasters announced today. National Weather Service officials said the exceptional drought that has parched the state this summer could continue well into next year, with below-average rainfall meaning months more of brown crops, dead grass and exposed lake bottoms.

The NWS’s Climate Prediction Center said Tuesday there is a good chance for below-normal rainfall or other precipitation for all of Alabama all the way through May.

We are thankful for the rain and look forward to seeing more rain to fall. However, during the extreme heat, we encourage community members to take advantage of shelters to stay cool.