Tagged: Drought

North Carolina’s drought conditions are better than they were one year ago. Last April, 53 counties were experiencing a moderate drought – the lowest of the four drought categories. This year only eight of the state’s 100 counties are currently receiving that classification.

In the latest report from the US Drought Monitor just eight North Carolina counties are listed as being in moderate drought. At the end of December there were 65 - out of 100 counties in the state - that were classified as in moderate drought. The report released Thursday also lists 19 counties as abnormally dry.

This past July was one of the hottest on record, the third-hottest in fact since 1895. Typically, hot goes along with dry, but in contrast to the rest of the country most of North Carolina is enjoying drought-free conditions. Ryan Boyles from the State Climate Office says much of the Piedmont has benefited from frequent afternoon thundershowers.

North Carolina is officially in a drought again. The lack of rain and high temperatures have contributed to moderate drought in seventeen counties, including Mecklenburg and Wake. Thirty-five others are experiencing abnormally dry conditions because there hasn't been enough rain. Sarah Young is the public information officer for the state Division of Water Resources. She says water restrictions matter now more than ever.