BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The abnormally dry conditions gripping Alabama now cover more than 90 percent of the state.

An analysis released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows southwest Alabama is the only section of the state that's not experiencing a large rainfall deficit.

The situation is worst in eastern Alabama, where all but a few counties are in a severe or extreme drought. Arid conditions are classified as exceptionally bad in parts of Barbour and Henry counties in the state's southeastern corner.

In all, about 91 percent of the state is either abnormally dry or in a full-blown drought.

Forestry officials say there's an increased threat of wildfires because of the dry conditions, and farmers are having on irrigation to sustain crops in many areas.