Drought intensifies across NC, 15 counties now in extreme conditions

RALEIGH (WWAY) — Drought conditions are worsening across North Carolina, with 15 counties now classified under extreme drought and most of the state experiencing severe or moderate drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

Data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center shows precipitation totals over the past six months are nearly 10 inches below normal in many areas, with some locations seeing even greater deficits. Rainfall stations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Hickory and the Charlotte area have recorded their driest six-month periods on record.

The lack of rainfall has also led to historically low water levels. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, many streams and rivers across the state are at all-time lows.

“Winter is usually the time when North Carolina’s water supplies get replenished due to good rains and low-water demand, but those good rains did not happen this winter,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the Drought Management Advisory Council. “The rain we’ve had so far has not been enough to make up for the precipitation deficit. The snowfall that we had this winter had lower-than-normal water content, with snow-to-water equivalents of more than 20 inches of snow to 1 inch of water.”

Officials say impacts have been somewhat limited so far due to lower water demand during winter months. However, more significant effects are expected if conditions continue.

“We could see poor growth for farmers at the start of the growing season, or delays in planting, low reservoir levels and closed boat launches,” Albertin said.

Counties experiencing extreme drought, also known as D3 conditions, are being advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plans and implement water use reduction measures. These systems are required to report weekly water use and conservation status through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources.

Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties are under D2 conditions, which is considered a severe drought.

“The public should follow any local water supply restrictions,” Albertin said. “Municipal websites are usually the best place to look for information on restrictions that are in place.”

The drought is also increasing wildfire risk. The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits effective March 28 until further notice.

North Carolina’s drought map is updated weekly and available here.