While not as severe as the West, North Carolina is beginning to see drought conditions as winter approaches.

What You Need To Know

  • Rainfall deficits have been adding up across the state

  • Over 60% of North Carolina is abnormally dry or in a moderate drought

  • The entire state was not in a drought at the beginning of the year

  • Lack of rain this fall has led to drought conditions

Since the beginning of meteorological fall on September 1, we have seen a plethora of beautiful days. Plenty of sunshine and rollercoaster temperatures have defined the season. And while it has rained in some spots, it hasn’t been enough. At the beginning of September, only a few counties in the northern Piedmont and Triad were abnormally dry, according to the Drought Monitor.

Fast-forward to mid-November and 30% of North Carolina is in moderate drought with another 37% of the state reporting abnormally dry conditions. Charlotte, New Bern and Elizabeth City are all included in the moderate drought area.

So, what’s going on? Seasonal rainfall deficits are continuing to mount.

Charlotte typically sees 8.06 inches of rain by this point in the season. However, actual totals have only amounted to about half of that this season.

Fall rainfall deficits can also be found in Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilmington, New Bern, Hatteras and Elizabeth City.

 

Even looking ahead, there aren’t many chances for rain before the season comes to an end on November 30. Provided this holds true, we can expect drought conditions to continue to increase through the end of the month.