Most of The T&D Region is now considered to be in a moderate drought.

Most of Orangeburg County is in a moderate drought, with the exception of the Springfield, Santee and Vance areas.

All of Calhoun County is in a moderate drought, along with most of Bamberg County except a small portion in the southwest.

The areas not in a moderate drought are considered abnormally dry.

A drought report issued a week ago classified most of the region as abnormally dry.

The drought information is released every Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The region has recently seen some rain.

The Orangeburg Municipal Airport received about 2 inches of rain Sunday, while a weather gauge about four miles northwest of Orangeburg recorded just under an inch.

Other reporting stations included:

• 2 miles north of Denmark – 2.9 inches

• 7.6 miles north of Orangeburg – 1.44 inches

• 3.2 miles northeast of St. Matthews – 1.33 inches

• 5.2 miles east of North – 1.18 inches

While the rain was of some benefit, the dry conditions continue.

There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms for the Orangeburg area each day over the next week, with the exception of the Fourth of July holiday.

Mostly sunny skies with highs in the middle 90s are forecast for the holiday.

The NWS is forecasting an increased fire danger later in the week with hot and dry conditions.

Over the next two weeks, the forecast is for above-average temperatures and slightly above-normal rainfall.