Drought Status
Moderate drought conditions-the first drought category-have spread into central N.C., according to Thursday's federal drought map. Seventy-seven counties across the state are experiencing a drought or dry condition.
Four southeastern counties are in a severe drought, 36 are in a moderate drought and 37 are considered abnormally dry. To see the map, go to www.ncdrought.org.
The deteriorating conditions are based on below normal precipitation for the past few months, below normal streamflows and the low level of Falls Lake. We are not seeing impacts to agriculture or water supply because of the time of the year.
Nevertheless, it is already February, spring is approaching rapidly and parts of the state are already in severe drought. Falls Lake needs to be full by April 1.
There is a small chance for rain next Tuesday.
For tips to save water go to www.savewaternc.org. For the full Drought Advisory, go to www.ncdrought.org.
For previous weeks' drought status maps, visit the Drought Management Advisory Council's Archives page. For a comparison with drought conditions last year, go to 2009-2010 Comparison of U.S. Drought Monitor.