Last Updated on March 26, 2026 5:22 pm
In the latest drought update for North Carolina, severe drought conditions continue across much of the state, with Extreme Drought affecting seven counties and Severe Drought covering 63 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
Anson
Cabarrus
Edgecombe
Halifax
Nash
Stanly
Union
Total: 7
D2 – Severe Drought
Alamance
Alexander
Ashe
Avery
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
McDowell
Mecklenburg
Mitchell
Northampton
Orange
Pender
Person
Polk
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham
Rowan
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland
Stokes
Swain
Transylvania
Vance
Wake
Warren
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
Total: 63
D1 – Moderate Drought
Alleghany
Beaufort
Bertie
Caldwell
Camden
Carteret
Catawba
Chowan
Craven
Currituck
Dare
Gates
Greene
Hyde
Jones
Lee
Lenoir
Martin
Montgomery
Moore
New Hanover
Onslow
Pamlico
Pasquotank
Perquimans
Pitt
Randolph
Surry
Tyrrell
Washington
Total: 30
Residents are strongly encouraged to continue water conservation efforts and stay informed about local drought conditions.
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