Rainfall deficits and above normal temperatures have thrust 17 coastal counties into severe drought, the second worst of the four drought categories.
“We are seeing below normal streamflows and groundwater levels due to the recent lack of rainfall and high temperatures, especially along the coast,” said Tom Reeder, director of the N.C. Division of Water Resources. “There have not been any reports of water supply impacts. But if these dry conditions continue, we will likely see greater impacts into the summer months.”
Sixty-five counties are experiencing drought or dry conditions in North Carolina, according to Thursday’s federal drought map. Of those, 17 coastal counties are in severe drought, 20 counties are experiencing a moderate drought, and 28 counties are considered abnormally dry. Abnormally dry is not drought, but means drought could emerge without adequate rainfall.
The N.C. State Climate Office lists the eastern half of Rowan County in moderate drought, while the western half is not currently in drought.
The rest of Western North Carolina is not experiencing drought or dry conditions. Thursday marks the first time since March that any part of the North Carolina has experienced severe drought. To see the federal drought map for North Carolina, go to www.ncdrought.org.
State officials remind the public to abide by any water restrictions that may have been enacted by their local water system. To see each system’s water conservation status, go to: http://www.ncwater.org/Drought_Monitoring/reporting/displaystate.php.
For tips and ways to save water, go to www.savewaternc.org.