ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Drought conditions are intensifying across North Carolina, with little relief in sight as forecasters predict a dry week ahead for the Asheville area.
Nearly 9.5 million residents are now living in areas affected by drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. March ranked as the fifth driest on record in the state, with just 1.85 inches of precipitation — 2.44 inches below normal. The first three months of the year have been even more severe, marking the third driest January-to-March period since records began in 1895, with a rainfall deficit of more than 5 inches.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, Asheville has had 1 7.82 inches of precipitation since Jan.1, which is 6.14 inches below normal.
State officials say conditions are worsening. The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council reports 30 counties are now in extreme drought, with most of the remaining counties classified under severe or moderate drought…