Drought conditions improved a bit but were still holding on across Alabama, according to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The weekly report, released on Thursday, showed the worst drought conditions, Level 3 out of 4, were still affecting part of north Alabama.

There was a big decrease in the amount of area in Level 2 drought, according to the report. However, many areas were still considered in Level 1 drought, and only a small percentage of the state was considered drought-free.

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Here’s a look at the stats from this week’s report:

* Level 4 (exceptional) drought: 0.01 percent of the state, unchanged since last week.

* Level 3 (extreme) drought: 0.77 percent, down from 0.78 percent last week.

* Level 2 (severe) drought: 11.79 percent, a decrease from 29.32 percent last week.

* Level 1 (moderate) drought: 66.90 percent, a decrease from 70.89 percent last week.

* Level 0 drought (abnormally dry): 98.61 percent, a decrease from 99.30 percent last week

* Only 1.39 percent of the state was not in drought.

More rain is in the forecast this weekend and into next week.

Rain chances will increase in parts of the state on Saturday, and off and on rain will be possible through Tuesday.

North Alabama is expected to get the most rain over the next week. Southeast Alabama may get little to none.

Here’s the seven-day precipitation outlook from NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center:

The next Drought Monitor report is scheduled to be released on Dec. 19.