Dry conditions have spread across North Carolina, according to the latest update from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC). The council’s report shows that all or parts of 32 counties in central and western regions are experiencing severe drought, classified as D2 conditions. Another 53 counties are listed under drought, or D1 conditions, while 15 coastal counties are considered abnormally dry.
For areas in severe drought, DMAC advises water systems to activate their water shortage response plans, work with regional and local partners on water management, review delivery systems for leaks or losses, and restrict nonessential water use. Systems in D1 areas are encouraged to assess their preparedness for drought and consider voluntary conservation measures.
Klaus Albertin, chair of DMAC, said: “The state has been drying out since the middle of August. The region is seeing a La Niña pattern, which often results in lower-than-average rainfall. We hope to see some relief towards the spring, with forecasts predicting this pattern to weaken over the next few months.”
Rainfall levels have dropped below historical averages throughout the state. Data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center indicates that many weather stations in central and western North Carolina recorded one of their ten driest three-month periods between October 1 and December 31.
Although cooler months typically mean lower water demand and limited negative impacts, there may be effects on pastures and winter grains. Water reservoir levels continue to decline. For those who use streams for recreation, average stream flows across the state have fallen below normal. U.S. Geological Survey data show that many gages in central and western North Carolina now record streamflows below the 10th percentile.
DMAC is made up of experts from government agencies in North Carolina as well as Virginia and South Carolina. It is organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. Members meet weekly to provide recommendations on drought status to federal agencies such as NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to national maps tracking drought conditions.
The council updates its drought map every Thursday based on data through Tuesday each week at www.ncdrought.org.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality oversees natural resource protection across air, land, water resources, waste management, coastal protection and environmental law enforcement throughout North Carolina. The agency supports public education efforts about environmental stewardship statewide (source). It was established in 2015 after restructuring a previous department (source).
To learn more about current drought conditions or educational resources related to water conservation efforts in North Carolina visit ncdrought.org/education.
