Drenching rains that fell in mid-July eased drought conditions across much of Louisiana and Texas, but south Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma are still in a drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor released its newest drought map on Thursday morning, indicating slightly improved conditions in the ArkLaTex.

Most of Louisiana and Texas are back to normal status, but south Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma and extreme northeast Texas saw little improvement in severe and extreme drought conditions.

Scattered storms are forecast for the ArkLaTex over the weekend; any downpours would help ease drought conditions in our northern areas.

If the drought-stricken areas miss out on the rain, soils will remain very dry and temperatures will soar next week. Daytime high temperatures could reach 100 degrees or higher.

If rain falls this weekend in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the moisture should help to hold temperatures in the mid and upper 90s next week.

A weak disturbance is forecast to show up in our area on Saturday and Sunday, bringing a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms both days.

For detailed information on drought impacts, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor's website.