State and federal officials put Wake, Durham and Orange back on a list of counties experiencing moderate drought conditions today.

Though rain drenched parts of the Triangle this week, precipitation is still more than an inch below normal for the year. Levels at area reservoirs are dropping - Falls Lake, Raleigh's water source, is about a foot below normal. And flows into reservoirs from streams and other waterways also are low.

The weather forecast for the next couple of weeks predicts little relief, according to the National Weather Service. And, though the peak of hurricane season is ahead, the region isn't guaranteed a soaking from a tropical storm

That could put the Triangle back in the same situation it was in last year when dry weather persisted through the fall and winter. The lack of rain forced local officials to enforce water restrictions.

"There are chances for problems, which is why people need to start thinking about it now," said Ryan Boyles, associate state climatologist.