Drought conditions worsening in Arkansas

Severe drought reported in southwest, northwest Arkansas; 34 counties under burn bans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Drought conditions are worsening in Arkansas as summer starts to heat up.

New U.S. Drought Monitor data released Thursday show that severe drought has cropped up in a small section of northwest Arkansas and southwest Arkansas. Nearly all the state is experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions.

The severe drought was reported in Madison, Newton and Searcy counties in northern Arkansas. It was also reported in Little River, Hempstead, Miller, Nevada and Ouachita counties in southwest Arkansas.

Northeastern Arkansas is the only area not experiencing drought conditions.

The Arkansas Forestry Commission says burn bans are in place in 34 counties.