Since mid-December, all of Cape May County had been classified as in extreme drought. But while the drought still lingers months later, conditions are improving.

As of March 18, the U.S. Drought Monitor says 29% of the county is still experiencing extreme drought conditions. The rest of the county has moved to the severe drought designation, having been in extreme drought as recently as mid-March.

The severe drought designation means it is less likely that the state will find need to declare mandatory conservation measures.

The state Department of Environmental Protection warns that drought in the state is still at levels that require water conservation measures, especially with the seasonal change to warmed weather and the start of outside irrigation activities.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.