North Carolina Faces Historic Drought as Winter Rains Fail to Materialize

Extreme drought conditions impact 15 counties, with most areas experiencing severe or moderate drought

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Carolina is facing a historic drought, with 15 counties experiencing extreme drought conditions and most other areas of the state dealing with severe or moderate drought. Precipitation totals over the past six months are nearly 10 inches below normal across the state, and several major cities have recorded their driest six-month periods on record. The lack of winter rainfall has led to concerns about the impact on water supplies, agriculture, and recreational activities if the drought persists.

Why it matters

The severe drought conditions in North Carolina could have far-reaching consequences for the state's water resources, agricultural industry, and outdoor recreation. With many counties already under water use restrictions, the drought highlights the importance of effective water management and preparedness for extreme weather events driven by climate change.

The details

According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, 15 counties in the state are experiencing extreme drought, with most other areas facing severe or moderate drought. Precipitation totals over the past six months are nearly 10 inches below normal across North Carolina, and several major cities, including Raleigh-Durham, Hickory, and Charlotte, have recorded their driest six-month periods on record. The lack of winter rainfall, which is typically a time of replenishment for the state's water supplies, has led to concerns about the potential impact on water systems, agriculture, and water recreation if the drought continues.

  • Over the past six months, precipitation totals are almost 10 inches below normal across North Carolina.
  • On March 28, 2026, the N.C. Forest Service implemented a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits due to wildfire risk.

The players

North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council

A state-level council that monitors drought conditions and advises on response measures.

Southeast Regional Climate Center

A regional climate research and service center that provides data and analysis on weather and climate trends in the southeastern United States.

Klaus Albertin

The chair of the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

N.C. Forest Service

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting North Carolina's forests, including responding to wildfire risks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Winter is usually the time when North Carolina's water supplies get replenished due to good rains and low-water demand, but those good rains did not happen this winter.”

— Klaus Albertin, Chair, North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council

“The public should follow any local water supply restrictions. Municipal websites are usually the best place to look for information on restrictions that are in place.”

— Klaus Albertin, Chair, North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council

What’s next

Counties facing severe drought are advised to activate their Water Shortage Response Plan and adhere to water use reduction measures, including reporting weekly water use and conservation status online through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources' Local Water Supply Plan website.

The takeaway

The historic drought in North Carolina underscores the need for proactive water management and preparedness in the face of climate change-driven extreme weather events. As the state's water supplies, agriculture, and recreational activities face potential impacts, this crisis highlights the importance of community-level coordination and public engagement to mitigate the effects of the drought.