Raleigh, NC – Drought conditions are intensifying across North Carolina this week, with eastern counties bearing the brunt as missed rainfall continues to worsen crop stress and water shortages.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor and the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (NC DMAC), moderate drought (D1) has expanded to cover nearly 24% of the state, while more than half of North Carolina remains classified as “abnormally dry.”
The latest report notes that while the Foothills benefited from localized heavy rainfall, much of the east—including Pitt, Bladen, and Brunswick counties—missed critical precipitation. In Pitt County, groundwater levels have dropped below seasonal norms, and in Bladen County, agriculture officials warn that stress to cotton, peanuts, and soybeans could reduce yields during harvest.
Recent rainfall totals brought temporary relief in some areas. For example, the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir rose half a foot after nearly four inches of rain. However, Hurricane Idalia’s turn away from landfall meant eastern regions missed a key opportunity for replenishment, worsening drought conditions.
Looking ahead, forecasts from the National Weather Service show additional rain possible this weekend into early next week, with a stronger chance of showers by Wednesday as a cold front approaches. Still, officials caution that many central and eastern counties have now gone more than six weeks without significant rainfall, raising concerns for streamflow, fire danger, and soil moisture levels.
Residents are urged to conserve water where possible and remain alert to potential agricultural and wildfire impacts as dry conditions persist.
