Dry conditions are affecting most of North Carolina, according to a recent advisory from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC). The council reported that 92 out of the state’s 100 counties are experiencing either drought or abnormally dry conditions.
Wilson and Edgecombe counties in eastern North Carolina have been classified as being in severe drought. Forty-three other counties are listed as having moderate drought, while another 47 counties are considered abnormally dry.
For areas facing severe drought, DMAC has recommended that water users implement water shortage response plans, coordinate regionally and locally for water management, check water delivery systems to reduce losses, and cut back on nonessential water use.
Rainfall across the state has remained below historical averages. Western parts of North Carolina have seen rainfall deficits between two and four inches below normal. In the central coastal plain, deficits exceed ten inches.
“Rainfall in late October was beneficial, but rainfall for the rest of the period was much less than normal,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “We have seen below-normal rainfall persisting since Aug. 15.”
The advisory noted that impacts on water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems should be limited due to cooler weather, with crops already harvested and lower municipal water demand. However, there is an increased risk of fire because of dry leaves, low humidity, and high winds.
During this fall wildfire season, the North Carolina Forest Service is encouraging residents to take steps to reduce wildfire risks by following best practices for prevention. The Department of Air Quality at NCDEQ also reminds people that burning trash and non-vegetative materials is illegal under state law.
DMAC consists of drought experts from agencies in North Carolina as well as Virginia and South Carolina. It is organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. Members meet weekly to assess conditions and provide recommendations to federal agencies such as NOAA and USDA for updates to national drought maps like the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Weekly updates on drought conditions in North Carolina can be found at www.ncdrought.org. Additional educational resources are available at https://www.ncdrought.org/education.
