North Carolina officials reported on Apr. 16 that drought conditions are worsening across the state, with thirty counties now classified as experiencing extreme drought and most other counties facing severe or moderate drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.
The increasing severity of the drought is affecting water resources and could impact communities, agriculture, and local economies throughout North Carolina.
Klaus Albertin, chair of the Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), said, “Near record heat, negligible rain and increased water demand is going to accelerate the decline in river and lake levels over the next few weeks.” Albertin added that reservoir systems are beginning to feel the effects of higher demand combined with low inflows.
Water systems in counties under extreme drought conditions have been advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plan. These systems must implement water use reduction measures and report weekly usage and conservation status online through the Division of Water Resource’s Local Water Supply Plan website. The public is encouraged to check with their local water supply system for updates on any restrictions currently in place.
A ban on all open burning issued by the North Carolina Forest Service remains active until further notice. Data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center indicates many rain gauge stations are reporting some of their lowest rainfall totals since records began. A station at Raleigh-Durham International Airport recorded its lowest year-to-date rainfall across a 140-year period. U.S. Geological Survey data also shows many streams and rivers at all-time low levels.
“In February, it looked like we might see a shift in the dryness that started last August, but it was only a brief respite,” Albertin said. “We saw low rainfall statewide in March, and April is also shaping up to be a record setter for low precipitation.”
The DMAC consists of experts from various government agencies in North Carolina as well as Virginia and South Carolina. Organized by the Division of Water Resources (DWR), DMAC meets weekly to submit recommendations for updating national drought maps published by federal agencies including NOAA and USDA. The council’s own map is updated every Thursday based on current conditions.
