NORTH CAROLINA — The drought across North Carolina is continuing to worsen according to the latest Drought Monitor update, with Extreme Drought now expanded across most of the mountains, foothills, and north and central parts of the state including from Raleigh northward.
This is the worst drought in over 15 years for most areas, with water restrictions already in place across many communities, several wildfires occurring statewide, and streams, creeks, and even small lakes and ponds beginning to dry up. Central and Eastern NC would need 9 to 12 inches of rain in one month to recover, while the Foothills and Mountains need an even more daunting 10 to 15 inches.
Extreme Drought Now Covers Most of the State
The Drought Monitor map for North Carolina shows Extreme Drought blanketing a massive portion of the state. The darkest red Extreme Drought designation covers the western mountains including Asheville, Murphy, and Boone, extends through the Piedmont corridor including Charlotte and Greensboro, and pushes eastward from Raleigh northward through much of the northern tier of the state.
Severe Drought covers additional areas surrounding the Extreme zone, while only the far eastern coastal communities near New Bern and Wilmington remain in lower drought categories. The statewide picture represents a dramatic and continuing deterioration of drought conditions across virtually every region of North Carolina.
Mountains and Foothills Need 10-15 Inches of Rain in One Month
The rainfall deficit needed to end the drought across North Carolina is staggering. The Foothills and Mountain communities including Asheville, Boone, and surrounding areas would need 10 to 15 inches of rain falling within a single month to return to normal moisture levels, a virtually impossible scenario under any realistic forecast…