Drier than normal conditions have returned to much of eastern North Carolina after several weeks of light rainfall.  The area had been taken off the dry list early in the fall after heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole in late September.  Measured rainfall for October and November was only about 50% of normal so dry conditions have developed in many communities.  Coastal communities are still considered normal but locations along and west of Highway 17 are now drier than average.  Some light precipitation could occur Saturday evening but dry conditions should prevail over the next week.