Polk County is still abnormally dry, according to the federal drought map released Tuesday, Aug. 10. Spartanburg County in South Carolina is also in the same abnormally dry category.

The area received only 0.68 inches of rain in July, according to observations in Tryon for the National Weather Service. Thats almost 5 inches down from the average rainfall in July of 5.3 inches.

Rainfall totals may be somewhat higher in specific locations, because of very localized thunderstorms.

The area now has a precipitation deficit for the year of more than 9 inches.

About 65 percent of the state of North Carolina, including all of the western part of the state, is listed as abnormally dry as of Aug. 10, according to the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council. A growing number of areas fall into the moderate drought category (see the darker gray areas in the map above).

In South Carolina, the central part of the state is no longer considered abnormally dry, but all of the Upstate is still in that category.

Local towns have not imposed any water restrictions, but state officials continue to urge residents to conserve water.