Some parts of North Carolina are getting desperate for rain.

What You Need To Know

  • Moderate drought conditions expanded into more of eastern and central North Carolina this week

  • Farmers report the dry spring is already affecting their tobacco and vegetable crop in the state

  • Brunswick County and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority have advised residents in southeastern North Carolina to conserve water

  • There is a burn ban for 26 counties in Southeastern North Carolina and the Sandhills

This week's updated drought monitor shows a much larger area of moderate drought in central and eastern parts of the state compared to just one week ago.

According to the State Climate Office, the growing drought conditions over the last few weeks is the first drought anywhere in North Carolina in about a year and a half.

Last year was the second wettest year on record for the state. The wet weather continued through the winter months, but many locations from the Piedmont to the coast have been experiencing a very dry spring.

If Raleigh does not see another 0.7 inches of rain through Memorial Day, this will be the driest spring on record for the capital city since weather records began in 1877.

The dry spring is already affecting farmers. In the most recent USDA weather and crops report, agricultural interests in several counties indicated the lack of rainfall impacted the tobacco crop, along with several types of vegetables.

The State Climate Office notes that Brunswick County and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority have advised residents in southeastern North Carolina to voluntarily conserve water. 

The North Carolina Forest Service also recently issued a burn ban for 26 counties across southeastern North Carolina and the Sandhills.

Anyone planning a camping trip in that part of the state for the Memorial Day weekend will not be able to have a campfire due to the dry and dangerous fire conditions.