Last Updated on March 19, 2026 11:45 am
In the latest drought update for North Carolina, severe drought conditions continue across much of the state, with Extreme Drought affecting six counties and Severe Drought covering 65 counties.
In the High Country, Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties remain in Severe Drought (D2) status. Alleghany and Caldwell counties are in Moderate Drought (D1).
The weekly update, put out by the North Carolina Drought Management Council, shows a significant and widespread drought situation across North Carolina, with all 100 counties experiencing some level of drought.
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.
D3 – Extreme Drought
Cabarrus
Edgecombe
Halifax
Nash
Stanly
Union
Total: 6
D2 – Severe Drought
Alamance
Alexander
Anson
Ashe
Avery
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe
Burke
Caswell
Chatham
Cherokee
Clay
Cleveland
Columbus
Cumberland
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Durham
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Graham
Granville
Guilford
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson
Hertford
Hoke
Iredell
Jackson
Johnston
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg
Mitchell
New Hanover
Northampton
Orange
Pender
Person
Polk
Richmond
Rockingham
Rowan
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland
Stokes
Swain
Transylvania
Vance
Wake
Warren
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yancey
Total: 65
D1 – Moderate Drought
Alleghany
Beaufort
Caldwell
Camden
Carteret
Catawba
Chowan
Craven
Currituck
Dare
Gates
Greene
Hyde
Jones
Lee
Lenoir
Montgomery
Moore
Onslow
Pamlico
Pasquotank
Perquimans
Pitt
Randolph
Robeson
Surry
Tyrrell
Washington
Yadkin
Total: 29
Residents are strongly encouraged to continue water conservation efforts and stay informed about local drought conditions.
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