Extreme Drought Moves Into North Mississippi

UNDATED (WCBI) – Portions of Northeast Mississippi have hit the extreme drought stage  for the first time this year.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor puts the majority of Monroe County in the extreme drought stage. Parts of Lee, Itawamba, Clay, Chickasaw and Lowndes are also in the next to highest classification .  The National Drought Center says rainfall levels in this region are 12 to 16 inches below where they need to be.