Report shows drought spreading across Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The portion of Alabama listed as being in an extreme drought is rapidly increasing.
In the U.S. Drought Monitor report published Thursday, extreme drought covered southern Shelby County, and severe drought stretched across north Shelby and south Jefferson counties. The midsection of Jefferson County is experiencing moderate drought.
Reports show the percentage of the state where drought was classified as extreme jumped from less than 5 percent a week ago to 23 percent this week.
The report shows Alabama's extreme drought stretching east and southeast from Bibb County.
There's some chance the situation will change. The National Weather Service says the chances for Birmingham-area thunderstorms increase to 50 percent on Sunday and 40 percent on Labor Day.