The new Drought Monitor map is out this morning, and it shows that recent rains - which have been more abundant to our south and east - have eased the severe drought conditions that have prevailed on the Lower Shore for many weeks.

In fact, "severe" drought conditions - which had encompassed more than 17 percent of the state - have entirely disappeared from this week's drought map. It's the first time since November that severe drought conditions have not been noted anywhere in Maryland. The assessments take into consideration rainfall, streamflow, soil moisture and plant health as assessed by satellite monitoring. 

That said, 27 percent of the state - in extreme Southern Maryland and the Lower Shore (tan on the map) - remains in "moderate" drought, including all the territory that had previously been ranked "severe."

And "abnormally dry" conditions (yellow) persist south of Baltimore, on both sides of the Bay.

But as damp as it has seemed, many streams in Maryland continue to run below their averages for this time of year. The fact is, we have not had abundant rainfall. What has fallen as been light - mostly drizzle and showers measured in fractions of an inch.

The forecast promises more of the same. Showers are likely again by late tomorrow, continuing through Saturday and perhaps into the evening. We'll see just a few more fractions of an inch, or more if thunderstorms break out. On the other hand, temperatures will be more springlike, reaching into the 70s today and tomorrow and Saturday before cooler weather returns. We could see temps in the 30s again by Sunday night after a cold front gets by us.

The norms for this time of year at BWI call for highs in the mid-60s, and lows in the low 40s.