Thanks to recent rainfall, drought conditions have improved across the Tennessee Valley as the year draws to a close.

Nearly all of Limestone County is in D-2, or severe drought, while about half of Lauderdale County is now in D-1, or moderate drought. A large portion of east-central Alabama remains in D-4, or exceptional drought.

After seeing scant rainfall from September through November, the Huntsville area has received 5.41 inches of rain since Dec. 1. The normal ran value for that period is 5.28 inches. Just shy of 44 inches of rain has been received since Jan. 1, 2016, which is almost 10 inches below normal.

It may be a rainy start to the new year as the National Weather Service in Huntsville is predicting an 80 percent chance of rain on New Year’s Eve and a 70 percent chance on New Year’s Day. Showers and storms are possible through Monday night.

Fireworks illegal

Despite recent rains, residents who plan to shoot fireworks should be aware outside fire dangers still exist. It is also illegal to set off fireworks within Athens’ city limits.

Police Chief Floyd Johnson previously told The News Courier an officer would first issue a verbal warning for anyone caught discharging fireworks. Those who continue to do so face receiving a citation or possibly having their fireworks confiscated.