Only Puget Sound counties not in drought

OLYMPIA — Following an extremely dry couple of months, the Department of Ecology has issued a drought advisory for most of Washington state, including all areas east of the Cascade Mountains, portions of southwest Washington and the Washington coast.

Only the Cascade and Olympic mountain counties around Puget Sound are excluded.

March through April was the fourth driest such period for Washington state since 1895. There are growing concerns for farmers and ranchers in Eastern Washington. Early observations of crop stress and expectations for reduced yields are being reported, said Water...