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
The post Drought Monitor Update – Thursday, January 8, 2026 appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.