The number of Ohio counties suffering under drought conditions continues to rise.
The expansion of the drought in the state comes as storms − some severe − could impact northern Ohio on Friday.
It has been a dry week in Greater Akron but that could all change Friday afternoon as the National Weather Service warns rain and some severe storms are expected.
The storms and rain are expected to develop after 2 p.m. and as much as an inch of rain could fall in some areas by the time things clear up on Saturday afternoon.
Some of the thunderstorms could have damaging wind gusts.
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Temperatures are expected to be cooler over the weekend and will feel more fall-like with temperatures in the 60s.
The weather service says another warming trend is setting up for next week.
Drought conditions expand across Ohio
The U.S. Drought Monitor says all but roughly 5% of Ohio is now experiencing some drought conditions.