Drought conditions in North Carolina have intensified, with three counties now classified as experiencing extreme drought. The N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) reported that 72 counties are currently in severe drought, 24 are in moderate drought, and one is abnormally dry. Cabarrus, Stanly, and Union counties are the areas facing extreme drought.
Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC, said, “Except for a small area around Carteret County, the entire state is classified as in moderate drought or worse. Based on data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center, many locations across the state have seen their driest six months on record. In many areas, we are seeing a rainfall deficit of more than 10 inches since August 2025.”
Water systems in extreme drought zones are being advised to follow Water Shortage Response Plans and reduce water use. These systems must also report weekly water use and conservation status online through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resource’s Local Water Supply Plan website.
Albertin noted that negative impacts may be limited during cooler months due to lower water demand but warned about low stream flows statewide. As of February 10th, U.S. Geological Survey stream gages were recording well below normal seven-day average flows.
“Impacts are still limited, but we can expect to see water restrictions being implemented if we don’t see a shift towards a wet pattern,” Albertin said. “Stream and reservoir levels are already low, and water demand will increase as we get into spring.”
The DMAC brings together experts from government agencies in North Carolina and neighboring states and is organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. The council meets weekly to assess conditions and submits recommendations for updates to national agencies responsible for tracking drought conditions.
The Department of Environmental Quality regulates air, land, water, and coastal environments throughout North Carolina while providing public education and promoting environmental stewardship among residents (https://www.deq.nc.gov/). It issues permits related to environmental law enforcement and manages waste alongside oversight of water resources (https://www.deq.nc.gov/). The agency’s central office is located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh (https://www.deq.nc.gov/).
North Carolina’s updated drought map is available each week at www.ncdrought.org.
For additional information about current conditions or educational resources on drought management visit www.ncdrought.org/education.
