Old North News

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has announced that 99 out of 100 counties in the state are currently experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. The latest advisory, released on Thursday, highlights five counties in Eastern North Carolina—Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow, and Pamlico—as facing severe drought conditions.

Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC, commented on the situation: “The good news is that these persistent drought and dry conditions have occurred over the winter when water demands are lower.” He added that while there have been some impacts on pastures and winter grains, it is not the main growing season. Therefore, impacts were limited. However, he cautioned that "the deficits could set up a challenging spring if the pattern doesn’t change."

Since mid-October, North Carolina has not been free from drought conditions. Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) shows an average statewide deficit of 6.64 inches over five months from October through February. Albertin noted that only a few weeks since October have met or exceeded average rainfall expectations due to a La Niña weather pattern.

As March marks the start of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, residents are advised by the N.C. Forest Service to exercise caution with outdoor fires. The NCDEQ Division of Air Quality reminds people to avoid burning non-vegetative materials.

Special provisions remain in place until the end of March to aid efficient processing of vegetative disaster debris caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. While grinding or chipping wood debris is preferred, guidance for burning debris can be found online.

The DMAC consists of drought experts from government agencies across North Carolina and neighboring states Virginia and South Carolina. They meet weekly to assess drought conditions and submit recommendations to national organizations like NOAA and USDA for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor map.

For more information on North Carolina's drought map and educational resources, visit ncdrought.org.