North Carolina is currently free from drought, according to the latest advisory issued by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) on Thursday. This marks the first time since October 15, 2024, that the state has been without drought or abnormally dry conditions.
Klaus Albertin, chair of DMAC, explained that “due to the drought’s timing in winter and spring, impacts were limited, since it occurred at a time when water demands are typically lower.” He noted that reservoir operators managed water releases effectively to maintain target levels. Despite this management, there were reports of limited agricultural impacts and an active wildfire season during the period of dry conditions.
The state experienced widespread dryness with significant rainfall deficits in certain areas. The coastal plain saw substantial deficits between October and mid-April. Wilmington recorded nearly a 15-inch shortfall compared to its 30-year average for this period, as reported by the North Carolina State Climate Office.
Recent weather patterns have shifted dramatically with storms bringing considerable rain and localized flooding to eastern North Carolina. Elizabeth City is on track for its wettest June on record with 6.52 inches of rain through June 17. Greenville experienced its wettest two-day period since Hurricane Florence in 2018 with a total of 6.71 inches between June 15 and 16.
Albertin further stated that “the dryness that began in October of 2024 began tapering off in March and regular, sometimes heavy, rain since then has brought streamflow, reservoir levels, and soil conditions back to normal.” He attributed these changes to a shift out of the La Niña pattern which allowed regular cold fronts accompanied by heavy rains.
DMAC is composed of drought experts from various government agencies across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. It is organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR). The council meets weekly to submit their recommendations on drought conditions to national organizations such as NOAA and updates are reflected in the U.S. Drought Monitor map every Thursday based on data up until Tuesday.
For more information about North Carolina’s drought status or educational resources visit www.ncdrought.org or https://www.ncdrought.org/education.
