The weekly drought map released today by the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies 77 of the state's 100 counties in drought. That's down from 94 counties in drought last week, as conditions eased in southeastern North Carolina.

Western North Carolina is suffering the most, with 18 counties mired in "exceptional" drought, the most intensive of four categories of drought. Some U.S. Geological Survey stream gauges in western North Carolina are approaching or at their lowest levels on record, according to the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Drought conditions in central North Carolina, including all the Triangle counties, continue to be classified as "moderate," the least intensive category. Rainfall has barely dampened the region in the past week, though precipitation for the year is slightly higher than normal.

State officials will meet next week to discuss the drought situation.

The Drought Management Advisory Council will meet at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Gov. James G. Martin Building at the State Fairgrounds.

Voluntary or mandatory restrictions on water use are place for more than 5.25 million people in North Carolina, or nearly 78 percent of those who receive water from systems tracked by the state.