Eastern North Carolina has finally received a decent rainfall after many weeks and months of dry weather. Despite the rain the current drought has barely been dented. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 25 inches of rain will be needed by July to stave off further problems from the drought. Most meteorologists feel the probability of "drought busting" rainfall by July is about 25%. About 85% of North Carolina is in the severe or exceptional drought category because of the drought that started last spring. So far in 2008 rainfall has been running at about 60% of normal. Lingering or worsening drought conditions are likely due to the expectation of below normal rainfall this spring.