Recent rains across Maryland have eased the worst of the drought that has been spreading and deepening all summer. But more than 92 percent of state remains under unusually dry to severe drought conditions, only slightly improved from last week (96 percent).

Data from the USDA's weekly Drought Monitor map shows the portion of Maryland that's enjoying normal, rains, streamflows and soil moisture is in Garrett County. It constitutes just 7.5 percent of the state, but that's an improvement from the 4 percent in that category last week.

The portion of Maryland that's in moderate to severe drought still amounts to 78.8 percent of the state, up slightly from last week (78.2 percent).

But that portion of the drought-stricken region where conditions are rated "severe" has fallen dramatically in the past week - from 55.7 percent to just 7.4 percent of the entire state. Most of that territory is in Charles and St. Mary's counties. Severe drought conditions have eased to moderate for much of the state, from Washington County eastward to the lower Eastern Shore. Since Sunday, BWI has recorded 1.69 inches of rain. Some locations saw more than 2 inches.

The USDA uses data from rainfall, streamflow, soil moisture and satellite-based reckoning of vegetation damage to calculate the drought index, and construct the weekly maps.

While conditions may have improved with the recent rains, it's too late for many of Maryland's farmers. A federal drought disaster has been declared for the entire state, making low-interest loans and other assistance available to many farmers. Read more here.