North Carolina begs for rain

RALEIGH (AP) — The Raleigh area is begging for some rain this week to ease drought conditions.

Temperatures have reached or exceeded 90 degrees for 73 days in the Triangle this year, breaking the record of 72 such days set in 1953.

The entire state is in drought, with the driest areas in the western and central counties. Agriculture has been particularly hard-hit.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler plans to make an announcement today regarding funding for farmers coping with the high demand for hay.

Ten of the state's 13 U.S. House members have signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner asking for help in securing financial assistance to North Carolina farmers affected by the drought.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)