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(National Weather Service)

Oregon drought update: Most of the southern half of Oregon is still experiencing severe to extreme drought, with the worst conditions in south-central and southeastern Oregon, according to the National Weather Service monthly drought report. The rest of the state is experiencing moderate drought.

Future: The drought is expected to continue and possibly intensify through fall. Continued above-normal temperatures are expected through November, especially for eastern Oregon. Precipitation is expected to be below normal through November, especially for the northern part of the state.

Main reasons: Way below normal snowpack in winter and spring and above-normal summer temperatures.

Water-year precipitation from October 2013 through August: 50 to 75 percent of normal for southern Oregon and 70 to 100 percent of normal for northern Oregon.

Temperatures: State temperatures in August were 1 to 4 degrees above normal.

State drought declarations: Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Malheur and Wheeler counties.

USDA drought disaster declarations: Baker, Benton, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler counties.

Reservoirs with little or no water left to release to downstream irrigators: Gerber, Warm Springs, Owyhee, Beulah and Bully Creek.