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Nebraskans should expect the impact of the drought to worsen next year if the current dry forecast for the winter holds up.

Climatologists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s National Drought Mitigation Center say the effects of the drought will likely be worse next year because the state’s rivers and lakes are already diminished.

Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming are all on track to record their driest years on record in 2012.

All of Nebraska remains in a drought, and more than 77 percent of the state is experiencing exceptional drought, which is the most severe category.

Recovery from the drought will be slow because the ground is so dry.

Climatologist Brian Fuchs says when precipitation does fall, the ground soaks up most of the moisture like a sponge.