Is the drought improving?

The answer to the question in the blogpost title is "slightly". Rainfall totals over the past couple of weeks have been spotty, typical of the random nature of summertime thunderstorms. However, this week's Drought Monitor does show progress across Virginia, with the D3 Extreme Drought (red shade) areas having shrunk somewhat.

Unfortunately much of Mecklenburg County is still in that D3 area. 

As July ends and August begins, this weekend's temperatures will remain near long-term averages. The fiercest heat will stay across the western U.S. for now. Pleasant conditions will dominate locally today (Friday) and Saturday, with sunshine and generally calm winds in place. Afternoon highs both days will top out in the upper 80s.

By Sunday a low pressure system and its associated cold front will be approaching the Mid-Atlantic states. Southerly winds ahead of that system will pump in higher humidity, so the latter weekend day will be more humid with chances of afternoon showers and storms. Temperatures will reach the mid-80s under partly sunny skies ahead of the potential rain. 

As that cold front stalls out nearby, next week looks to be cloudier and wet. Hopefully the associated precipitation will be enough to continue improving the dry conditions.