Drought Returns to the WCCB Viewing Area

Drought has officially returned to the WCCB viewing area for the first time since November 2019. The latest drought outlook has portions of Anson, Richmond, Union, Chesterfield, York and Cabarrus counties under a moderate drought. Abnormally dry conditions now stretch west of I-77. More than 60% of the Carolinas is dealing with abnormally dry to drought conditions with just under 40% of the Carolinas seeing moderate drought conditions.

Much of the Carolina east coast is under moderate drought conditions. Rainfall totals for the Spring are more than 4″ below average along the coast. Locally, rainfall totals have fallen more than 1″ below average for the month of May and nearly 1/2″ below average for the year after a very dry April and May. 26 counties in North Carolina are under an open burn ban, including Anson and Richmond counties. This ban prohibits the burning of leaves, branches, and other plant material.

Rain and storm chances increase this weekend with a cold front late Friday into Saturday. But, less than 1/2″ of rain is expected. Another dry pattern will set up next week, leading to another likely expansion of the drought with the region.