N.J. drought conditions turn severe in 5 counties as lack of rain continues

New Jersey's drought situation has gone from bad to even worse, according to the latest national drought status report .

And more bad news with no rain in the forecast for the next seven days.

The lack of rain comes in the wake of one of the driest Septembers ever recorded in New Jersey, with rainfall data going dating to the late 1800s.

Compounding the situation is the persisting dry spell, with many areas of the Garden State getting no measurable rain — not even one one-hundredth of an inch — so far in October.

Last week, more than 87% of New Jersey was classified as "abnormally dry," with 26% of those areas having moderate drought conditions and 4% having severe drought conditions.

Just a week later, the abnormally dry designation has spread to the entire state, with 59% of New Jersey having moderate drought conditions and 12% having severe drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map and data, released Thursday morning.

The severe drought conditions are primarily being seen across a wide swath of Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, along with a small portion of Camden and a tiny sliver of Gloucester.

The Drought Mitigation Center says these are among the impacts that are commonly seen in areas with severe drought conditions:

Fish kills occur.

The yield and size of specialty crops, like fruit, are impacted.

Trees are brittle and susceptible to insects.

Warnings may be issued on outdoor burns.

Water quality can become poor, and groundwater is declining.

Irrigation ponds are dry.

Outdoor water restrictions may be implemented.

Golf courses conserve water.

Wildlife moves to farms for food.

Producers begin feeding cattle.