Drought Status
For previous weeks' drought status maps, visit the Drought Management Advisory Council's Archives page. For a comparison with drought conditions last year, go to 2007-2008 Comparison of U.S. Drought Monitor.
While drought conditions continue to be an issue across western North Carolina, the number of counties in severe drought dropped by two this week – down to eight counties. There are 13 counties in moderate drought, and seven that are abnormally dry. The Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte metropolitan areas are in no drought category. Additionally,72 counties across the state are not experiencing drought conditions.
Although drought conditions are improving, 43% of water systems in the state are under mandatory water use restrictions and 26% are under voluntary water use restrictions.