Drought conditions continue to intensify across North Carolina, with nine counties now classified in exceptional drought, the most severe category used by drought monitors.
According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, eight counties in the Triangle and eastern Triad were classified in exceptional drought based on conditions observed between July 7 and July 14. Brunswick County also remains in the state's highest drought category. Another 38 counties are in extreme drought, 37 counties are in severe drought and 13 counties are in moderate drought. Four counties are considered abnormally dry.
Despite recent rainfall, state officials say precipitation deficits that have been building since last fall remain a major concern.
"Raleigh still has a 16-inch deficit since August, even with decent rain in the last week," said Linwood Peele, supervisor of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources Water Supply Planning Branch. "One or two nice rains doesn't fix 10 months of little to no rainfall."
Reservoirs across North Carolina continue to sit below normal levels, according to officials. The NC State Climate Office reports Wilmington is more than 21 inches below its normal rainfall total for the same period. Streamflow and groundwater levels also remain below average in many parts of the state.
Officials are encouraging water systems in exceptional and extreme drought areas to follow water shortage response plans and conservation measures. Residents are urged to check with their local water providers for any water-use restrictions that may be in effect.
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council updates the state's drought map each Thursday based on conditions observed through the previous Tuesday.
