CONCORD, N.H. - The long-running drought in much of the Northeast is expected to persist through the winter.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows dry conditions continuing through February throughout New England and the only relief coming in parts of upstate New York, where some drought-stricken areas could see improving conditions.The drought is the worst in over a decade.Winter outlookDrought expert Dave Miskus said it will be difficult for the Northeast to make up the 8- to 12-inch deficit in rain throughout the winter.There have been some good storms lately, but the winter forecast remains unclear on whether there will be more or less precipitation in the next three months, said Miskus, who works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.In the short-term, several storms forecast for the end of the month could improve conditions along the coast.Farther west, recent rains and above average winter precipitation expected for the Great Lakes region and Ohio Valley should spell relief for drought-hit sections of western Pennsylvania and New York.What to watch forThe simple answer is more rain. But Miskus and other weather experts are hoping there will be a prolonged stretch of precipitation rather than several big storms. That way, the water can soak into the soil and recharge aquifers rather than running off.A second factor will be snow. While it remains unclear how much snow New England will get, New Hampshire's climatologist, Mary Lemcke-Stampone, said a snowpack of several feet in the spring would give the region a head start as it warms up.But not all snow is equal. Wet snow, which falls in warmer conditions, would be preferable to dry flakes that fall in frigid conditions. Wet snow contains more precipitation.It also would help if there aren't heavy rains in the spring that would wash away all that snow instead of allowing it to slowly seep into the ground.What it meansWith drought conditions lasting through the winter, many towns probably will keep existing water restrictions in place. Residents will be encouraged to conserve water.Ski resorts also could face challenges ensuring they have enough water for snow-making.