Last Updated on February 13, 2022 8:43 am
Two North Carolina counties are now under the “Exceptional Drought” status for the first time this year.
Continued drought conditions in southwestern North Carolina have lead to an outbreak of wildfires and a burning ban in 25 western counties. 13 counties continue to be in moderate drought, nine are now in extreme drought, six are in severe drought and two in exceptional drought.
Watauga and Avery remains in moderate drought, while Ashe County is in the abnormally dry status. The latest update from the North Carolina Drought Management Council shows southwestern North Carolina experiencing the most severe conditions.
From November 1 through November 10 there has been .22 inches of rain officially recorded in Boone, making it the 8th driest for that time frame since 1980. For the year 36.88 inches of precipitation has been recorded, making it the 4th driest since 1980.
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.
Drought map November 8, 2016 from the North Carolina Drought Management Council and USDA
