Last Updated on January 8, 2026 8:08 pm
In the latest drought update for North Carolina, most of the High Country remains in Moderate drought.
In the High Country, all of Watauga, Ashe, and Avery are in Moderate drought status.
The weekly update, put out by the North Carolina Drought Management Council, shows zero counties in the Extreme Drought status, 32 counties in the Severe Drought category, 53 counties in Moderate Drought, and 15 counties in Abnormally Dry status.
Drought categories are based on streamflow, groundwater levels, the amount of water stored in reservoirs, soil moisture, the time of year, and other relevant factors for assessing the extent and severity of dry conditions.
D2 – Severe Drought
Total: 32 counties, including:
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cherokee
- Henderson
- Jackson
- Transylvania
D1 – Moderate Drought
Total: 53 counties, including:
- Watauga
- Ashe
- Avery
- Mitchell
- Yancey
D0 – Abnormally Dry
Total: 15 counties, including:
- Camden
- Currituck
- Gates
- Pasquotank
- Perquimans
