U.S. Drought Monitor indicates no relief for Lanier

UNDATED - There's no relief in sight for drought-stricken Lake Lanier, according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

"As it stands right now, short term, the relief we're getting right now is really short time, and I don't see any major precipitations on the horizons," said State Climatologist Bill Murphey.

Murphy said the latest figures show areas of severe, extreme and exceptional drought have expanded across the state

There is one glimmer of hope, however. Murphey said El Nino is starting to settle in, which could mean some rain in the fall.

The level of Lanier Thursday evening was 1063.40. That's more than seven feet below full pool.