LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Parts of Texas have grown drier as a lack of substantial rains and windy conditions have led to less moisture in the soil.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday indicates more of West Texas slipped back into the worst drought stage the past week.

Statewide, 20.6 percent was in exceptional drought, up from 14.7 percent last week. But rain was forecast for much of the state in the coming days.

The only area in exceptional drought east of Interstate 35 is in South Texas along the Gulf Coast.

No drought exists in about 6 percent of Texas.

Recent rains helped ease the Dallas-Fort Worth area and other parts of Texas out of the drought.

Last year was the state's driest on record.

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