Recent rains are easing the pain of drought across New Mexico.
The latest map released by federal forecasters highlights a spot in southeastern New Mexico where drought has disappeared.
The area represents less than 2 percent of the state, but the development is significant since it has been more than two years since an area that large or larger has been drought-free.
There are still pockets where extreme drought is holding on in the northwest and southwest, but those areas have been shrinking. More than one-third of New Mexico was dealing with extreme to exceptional drought three months ago. Now, it's just over 7 percent.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the best chance for rain this weekend is in the mountains and across the east.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.