North Wake News

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has reported that 99 out of the state's 100 counties are experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. The latest advisory, released on Thursday, identifies five counties in Eastern North Carolina—Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow, and Pamlico—as facing severe drought conditions.

Additionally, 58 counties are classified under moderate drought conditions while another 36 are considered abnormally dry. Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC, noted that these conditions have persisted through winter when water demands are typically lower. "Farmers have seen some pasture and winter grain impacts," Albertin stated. However, he added that since it is not the main growing season, impacts have been limited. He warned that if the pattern continues unchanged into spring, challenges could arise.

North Carolina has experienced consistent drought since mid-October. Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information indicates a statewide average deficit of 6.64 inches over five months from October to February. "We’ve only had a few weeks that have met or exceeded average rainfall expectations since October," Albertin said. He attributed this to the La Niña weather pattern.

As March marks the start of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, residents are urged by the N.C. Forest Service to exercise caution with outdoor fires and adhere to best practices when burning yard debris. The NCDEQ Division of Air Quality also reminds residents: "If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it."

Following Hurricane Helene's impact in western North Carolina, special provisions remain until the end of March for processing vegetative disaster debris safely and efficiently.

The DMAC is composed of drought experts from government agencies across North Carolina and neighboring states Virginia and South Carolina. It is organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR). Weekly meetings result in recommendations submitted to national organizations like NOAA and USDA for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor map.

For more information on North Carolina's drought status or educational resources about managing these conditions, visit ncdrought.org.