Drought Hits Lower Eastern Shore

EASTON, Md. (AP) -- Forecasters say parts of the Eastern Shore are suffering through a drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says the central Eastern Shore is in a moderate drought and the lower Eastern Shore is in severe drought conditions. Central and southern Maryland were rated as abnormally dry, although recent thunderstorms have helped. The monitor is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other agencies.

Wendy McPherson, a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist, says rainfall on the lower shore has been lacking for more than a year. Talbot County extension agent Shannon Dill says planting weather was good earlier this year in the midshore county, but a recent dry spell has left corn in need of rain.

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