According to the National Weather Service and US Drought Monitor, drought conditions have improved in parts of western and north central Nebraska over the past month. This is very welcome news for many farmers and ranchers who have been struggling with persistent drought conditions for many months in the region. While parts of the panhandle and several counties in north eastern Nebraska remain in the extreme drought designation, the KVSH listening area of north central Nebraska and south central South Dakota are now in either severe or moderate drought. These are designated as D1 and D2 drought. None of the state has a D0 classification at this time. While the improvements represent good news, there were parts of the state including Grant, Hooker and south central and south western Cherry Counties that did indicate a deterioration of drought conditions. More rain is in the forecast for the KVSH listening area through the Memorial Day weekend.