By Location | States

North Carolina

counties with USDA Drought Disaster Designations (primary)

counties since last week

7.6 Million

North Carolina residents in areas of drought, according to the Drought Monitor

0.8%

since last week

10th

driest October on record (since 1895)

1.13 in.

total precipitation

2.14 in.

from normal

43rd

driest January—October on record (since 1895)

39.8 in.

total precipitation

2.83 in.

from normal

Learn More About These Stats

Current North Carolina Drought Maps

Experimental

U.S. Drought Monitor USDM 1-Week Change Short-Term MIDI Long-Term MIDI

The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).

This map is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trigger some disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may use additional information to inform their declarations and actions. Learn more.

How has drought impacted this state in the past? View examples of past drought impacts or explore historical Drought Monitor maps.

Source(s):

NDMC, NOAA, USDA

The U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.

The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues indicate conditions improved, while yellow/orange hues indicate degradations.

Source(s):

NDMC, NOAA, USDA

The Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) looks at current drought conditions across the U.S. by integrating several key drought indices on precipitation and moisture into one objective, computer-generated map.

The Short-Term MIDI approximates drought impacts from changes in precipitation and moisture over a short-term timeframe (looking back up to 90 days), such as impacts to non-irrigated agriculture, topsoil moisture, and range and pasture conditions. Long-term droughts (lasting months to years) can have different impacts.

This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn how this map is made.

Source(s):

UC Merced, via Climate Engine

The Long-Term MIDI approximates drought impacts from changes in precipitation and moisture over a long-term timeframe (up to 5 years), such as impacts to irrigated agriculture, groundwater, and reservoir levels. Long-term drought conditions can also increase wildfire intensity and severity.

This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn how this map is made.

Source(s):

UC Merced, via Climate Engine

Drought & Dryness Categories

% of NC

D0 – Abnormally Dry

19.8

D1 – Moderate Drought

28.2

D2 – Severe Drought

36.9

D3 – Extreme Drought

8.8

D4 – Exceptional Drought

0.0

Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)

73.9

Abnormally Dry

Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. View typical impacts by state.

Moderate Drought

Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

Severe Drought

Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

Extreme Drought

Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

Exceptional Drought

Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)

Percent area of North Carolina that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought & Dryness Categories
Value	Map Hex Color	% of NC	Description
D0 – Abnormally Dry	#ffff00	19.8	Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. View typical impacts by state.
D1 – Moderate Drought	#fcd37f	28.2	Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 – Severe Drought	#ffaa00	36.9	Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 – Extreme Drought	#e60000	8.8	Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 – Exceptional Drought	#730000	0.0	Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)	dmtotal	73.9	Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) Percent area of North Carolina that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought Change Since Last Week

-3

-2

-1

Drought Change Since Last Week
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
-3	#ff9900	3-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-2	#ffd438	2-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-1	#ffff73	1-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
0	#cccccc	No Change There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
+1	#cdffd4	1-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+2	#8ad48c	2-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+3	#52956a	3-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
D4	#730000	Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D3	#E60000	Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D2	#FFAA00	Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D1	#FCD37F	Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D0	#FFFF00	Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
W0	#AAFF55	Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W1	#01FFFF	Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W2	#00AAFF	Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W3	#0000FF	Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W4	#0000AA	Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
D4	#730000	Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D3	#E60000	Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D2	#FFAA00	Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D1	#FCD37F	Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D0	#FFFF00	Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
W0	#AAFF55	Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W1	#01FFFF	Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W2	#00AAFF	Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W3	#0000FF	Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W4	#0000AA	Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

How has drought impacted this state in the past? View examples of past drought impacts or explore historical Drought Monitor maps.

The U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.

This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn how this map is made.

Source(s):

NDMC, NOAA, USDA

Source(s):

NDMC, NOAA, USDA

Source(s):

UC Merced, via Climate Engine

Source(s):

UC Merced, via Climate Engine

Data Valid: 11/21/23

Learn More

Experimental

Learn more about these data

Drought in North Carolina

Drought conditions in North Carolina are assessed by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (NC DMAC), a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina, and organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. Members of the NC DMAC meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map. The NC DMAC evaluates variables including rainfall, streamflow, groundwater levels, regional climate, soil moisture, water storage in reservoirs, ecological conditions, municipal water restrictions, and the time of year. These conditions are closely monitored and can rapidly change, especially during the hot summer months, which bring about higher evaporation rates.

The Southeast region generally receives substantial precipitation and is often considered water-rich. However, droughts are not uncommon, and the Southeast has a long history of multi-year droughts, including the recently experienced record-breaking droughts of 2006–2008 and 2010–2012. These droughts had far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water availability for municipalities and industry, and wildfires.

NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) launched the Southeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) in 2020, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Southeast DEWS is a network of regional and national partners that share information and coordinate actions to help communities in the region cope with drought.

Reach out to Meredith Muth, the Regional Drought Coordinator for this region, for more information, or sign up for the Southeast DEWS newsletter.

Southeast DEWS

Get Email Updates

North Carolina State Drought Resources

State Drought Website:

North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council | Current Conditions

State Drought Agency:

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Water Resources

State Drought & Hazard Mitigation Plans:

North Carolina Drought Assessment and Response Plan (2020)

State of North Carolina Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023)

State Climate Office:

North Carolina State Climate Office

North Carolina Current Conditions

A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation & temperature, water supply (e.g., streamflow, reservoirs), and soil moisture. Learn more about monitoring drought.

North Carolina Precipitation Conditions

7-Day 30-Day % Normal 60-Day % Normal

Inches of Precipitation

0.01

0.5

Inches of Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0 - 0.01	#ffffff	This location received less than 0.01 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.01 - 0.5	#ffffcc	This location received 0.01–0.5 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.5 - 1	#c7e9b4	This location received 0.5–1 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
1 - 2	#7fcdbb	This location received 1–2 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
2 - 4	#41b6c4	This location received 2–4 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
4 - 6	#1d91c0	This location received 4–6 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
6 - 8	#225ea8	This location received 6–8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
8 -	#0c2c84	This location received more than 8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)

25%

50%

75%

100%

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0% - 25%	#8c510a	Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25% - 50%	#bf812d	25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50% - 75%	#dfc27d	50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75% - 100%	#f6e8c3	75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.

100%

150%

200%

300%


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
100% - 150%	#c7eae5	100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150% - 200%	#80cdc1	150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200% - 300%	#35978f	200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
300% -	#01665e	>300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)

25%

50%

75%

100%

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0% - 25%	#8c510a	Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25% - 50%	#bf812d	25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50% - 75%	#dfc27d	50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75% - 100%	#f6e8c3	75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.

100%

150%

200%

300%


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
100% - 150%	#c7eae5	100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150% - 200%	#80cdc1	150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200% - 300%	#35978f	200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
300% -	#01665e	>300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.

Data Valid: 11/27/23

Learn More

North Carolina Temperature Conditions

7-Day Avg 7-Day Anomaly 30-Day Anomaly

Maximum Temperature (°F)

Maximum Temperature (°F)
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
- 0	#05346c	The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is below 0°F.
0 - 10	#216cac	0–10°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 0–10°F.
10 - 20	#4393c3	10–20°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 10–20°F.
20 - 30	#92c5de	20–30°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 20–30°F.
30 - 40	#d1e5f0	30–40°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 30–40°F.
40 - 60	#ffffff	40–60°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 40–60°F.

100


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
60 - 70	#fddbc7	60–70°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 60–70°F.
70 - 80	#f4a582	70–80°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 70–80°F.
80 - 90	#d6604d	80–90°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 80–90°F.
90 - 100	#b2182b	90–100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 90–100°F.
100 -	#69012c	>100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between greater than 100°F.

Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)

-8

-6

-4

-3

-1

Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
- -8	#0404ff	>8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6	#2166ac	6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4	#4393c3	4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3	#92c5de	3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1	#d1e5f0	1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0	#ffffff	0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0 - 1	#ffffff	0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3	#fddbc7	1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4	#f4a582	3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6	#d6604d	4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8	#b2182b	6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 -	#800000	>8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)

-8

-6

-4

-3

-1

Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
- -8	#0404ff	>8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6	#2166ac	6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4	#4393c3	4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3	#92c5de	3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1	#d1e5f0	1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0	#ffffff	0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0 - 1	#ffffff	0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3	#fddbc7	1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4	#f4a582	3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6	#d6604d	4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8	#b2182b	6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 -	#800000	>8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

Data Valid: 11/27/23

Data Valid: 11/26/23

Learn More

North Carolina Streamflow Conditions

Current Streamflow

Streamflow Conditions

Low

Much Below

Below

Normal

Streamflow Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Low	#ff0000	Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below	#b12121	Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below	#ffa400	Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal	#00ff00	Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.

Above

Much Above

High

Not Ranked


Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Above	#40dfd0	Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above	#0000ff	Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High	#000000	Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked	#ffffff	Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.

Data Valid: 11/29/23

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North Carolina Soil Moisture Conditions

20 cm Depth

20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile

20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
0 - 2	#730000	0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year.
2 - 5	#e60000	2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
5 - 10	#e69800	5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
10 - 20	#fed37f	10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
20 - 30	#fefe00	20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
30 - 70	#c8c8c8	30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.

100


Range	Map Hex Color	Description
70 - 80	#aaf596	70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
80 - 90	#4ce600	80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
90 - 95	#38a800	90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
95 - 98	#145a00	95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
98 - 100	#002673	98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year.

Data Valid: 11/26/23

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Learn more about these data

Outlooks & Forecasts for North Carolina

Predicting drought in North Carolina depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more outlooks & forecasts.

Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions

7-Day Precip 8-14 Day Precip 8-14 Day Temp

Predicted Inches of Precipitation

0.01

0.1

0.25

0.5

0.75

1.25

1.5

1.75

Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color
0 - 0.01	#ffffff
0.01 - 0.1	#7fff00
0.1 - 0.25	#00cd00
0.25 - 0.5	#008b00
0.5 - 0.75	#104e8b
0.75 - 1	#1e90ff
1 - 1.25	#00b2ee
1.25 - 1.5	#00eeee
1.5 - 1.75	#8968cd

1.75

2.5


Range	Map Hex Color
1.75 - 2	#912cee
2 - 2.5	#8b008b
2.5 - 3	#8b0000
3 - 4	#cd0000
4 - 5	#ee4000
5 - 7	#ff7f00
7 - 10	#cd8500
10 - 15	#ffd700
15 - 20	#ffff00
20 -	#ffaeb9

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

33%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
100% - 90%	#4f2f2f	>90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
90% - 80%	#804000	80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
80% - 70%	#934639	70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
70% - 60%	#9b5031	60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
60% - 50%	#bb6d33	50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
50% - 40%	#d8a750	40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.
40% - 33%	#f0d493	33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period.

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation

33%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
33% - 40%	#b3d9ab	33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
40% - 50%	#94cd7e	40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
50% - 60%	#48ae38	50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
60% - 70%	#3a7b5f	60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
70% - 80%	#008e40	70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
80% - 90%	#28553d	80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.
90% - 100%	#285517	>90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period.


Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Near-Normal Conditions	#a2a2a2	Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal precipitation during this period.

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Temperature

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

33%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Temperature
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
100% - 90%	#1c1342	>90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
90% - 80%	#221852	80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
80% - 70%	#2f406f	70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
70% - 60%	#005ca1	60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
60% - 50%	#389fdb	50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
50% - 40%	#77b5e2	40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.
40% - 33%	#a0c0df	33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period.

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Temperature

33%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Temperature
Range	Map Hex Color	Description
33% - 40%	#e7b168	33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
40% - 50%	#e38b4a	40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
50% - 60%	#dc562f	50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
60% - 70%	#c72e28	60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
70% - 80%	#cc3047	70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
80% - 90%	#8a2f38	80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.
90% - 100%	#622228	>90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period.


Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Near-Normal Conditions	#a2a2a2	Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal temperatures during this period.

Data Valid: 11/29/23

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Drought Outlooks for North Carolina

Monthly Seasonal

Drought Is Predicted To...

Persist

Improve

End

Develop

N/A

Drought Is Predicted To...
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Persist	#9b634a	Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve	#ded2bc	Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End	#b2ad69	Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop	#ffde63	Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A	#ffffff	No Drought Present

Drought Is Predicted To...

Persist

Improve

End

Develop

N/A

Drought Is Predicted To...
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
Persist	#9b634a	Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve	#ded2bc	Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End	#b2ad69	Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop	#ffde63	Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A	#ffffff	No Drought Present

Data Valid: 10/31/23

Data Valid: 11/16/23

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Learn more about these data

Historical Drought Conditions in North Carolina

Drought is a normal climate pattern that has occurred in varying degrees of length, severity, and size throughout history. Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for North Carolina according to 3 historical drought indices. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly map that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country since 2000. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is a monthly depiction of drought based on precipitation (with data going back to 1895). And the paleoclimate data uses tree-ring reconstructions to estimate drought conditions before we had widespread instrumental records, going back to the year 0 for some parts of the U.S. View more historical conditions.

2000–Present

1895–Present

0–2017

Time Period (Years): to

Show Category:

U.S. Drought Monitor

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
D0	#ffff00	D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1	#fcd37f	D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2	#fa0	D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3	#e60000	D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4	#730000	D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4). Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to

Show Category:

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
D4	#730000	D4 (SPI of -2.0 or less) The 9-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is -2.0 or less, indicating exceptional drought (D4) conditions.
D3	#E60000	D3 (SPI of -1.9 to -1.6) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between -1.9 to -1.6, indicating extreme drought (D3) conditions.
D2	#FFAA00	D2 (SPI of -1.5 to -1.3) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between -1.5 to -1.3, indicating severe drought (D2) conditions.
D1	#FCD37F	D1 (SPI of -1.2 to -0.8) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between -1.2 to -0.8, indicating moderate drought (D1) conditions.
D0	#FFFF00	D0 (SPI of -0.7 to -0.5) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between -0.7 to -0.5, indicating abnormally dry (D0) conditions.

Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
W0	#AAFF55	W0 (SPI of 0.5 to 0.7) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between 0.5 to 0.7, indicating abnormally wet (W0) conditions.
W1	#01FFFF	W1 (SPI of 0.8 to 1.2) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between 0.8 to 1.2, indicating moderate wet (W1) conditions.
W2	#00AAFF	W2 (SPI of 1.3 to 1.5) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between 1.3 to 1.5, indicating severe wet (W2) conditions.
W3	#0000FF	W3 (SPI of 1.6 to 1.9) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between 1.6 to 1.9, indicating extreme wet (W3) conditions.
W4	#0000AA	W4 (SPI of 2.0 or more) The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is 2.0 or greater, indicating exceptional wet (W4) conditions.

Drought results from an imbalance between water supply and water demand. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) measures water supply, specifically precipitation. SPI captures how observed precipitation (rain, hail, snow) deviates from the climatological average over a given time period—in this case, over the 9 months leading up to the selected date. Red hues indicate drier conditions, while blue hues indicate wetter conditions. Data are available monthly from 1895–present.

Time Period (Years): to

Show Category:

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
D4	#730000	D4 (PMDI of -5.0 or less) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is -5.0 or less, indicating exceptional drought (D4) conditions.
D3	#E60000	D3 (PMDI of -4.9 to -4.0) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is -4.9 to -4.0, indicating extreme drought (D3) conditions.
D2	#FFAA00	D2 (PMDI of -3.9 to -3.0) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is -3.9 to -3.0, indicating severe drought (D2) conditions.
D1	#FCD37F	D1 (PMDI of -2.9 to -2.0) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is -2.9 to -2.0, indicating moderate drought (D1) conditions.
D0	#FFFF00	D0 (PMDI of -1.9 to -1.0) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is -1.9 to -1.0, indicating abnormally dry (D0) conditions.

Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color	Description
W0	#AAFF55	W0 (PMDI of 1.0 to 1.9) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is 1.0 to 1.9, indicating abnormally wet (W0) conditions.
W1	#01FFFF	W1 (PMDI of 2.0 to 2.9) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is 2.0 to 2.9, indicating moderate wet (W1) conditions.
W2	#00AAFF	W2 (PMDI of 3.0 to 3.9) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is 3.0 to 3.9, indicating severe wet (W2) conditions.
W3	#0000FF	W3 (PMDI of 4.0 to 4.9) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is 4.0 to 4.9, indicating extreme wet (W3) conditions.
W4	#0000AA	W4 (PMDI of 5.0 or greater) Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is 5.0 or greater, indicating exceptional wet (W4) conditions.

In paleoclimatology, proxy climate data (e.g., tree rings, ocean sediments) can allow us to reconstruct past climate conditions before we had widespread instrumental records. The Living Blended Drought Atlas, shown here, estimates average drought conditions each summer (June–August) as far back as the year 0 by combining tree-ring reconstructions and instrumental records. Red hues indicate drier conditions, while blue hues indicate wetter conditions.

Learn more about these data

Drought Resources for North Carolina

Stay Informed: Local Drought Updates

Drought Alert Emails
Get email updates when U.S. Drought Monitor conditions change for your location or a new drought outlook is released.

Southeast DEWS Drought Email List
Get regional drought status updates right to your inbox, as well as drought news, webinars, and other events for the Southeast.

Southeast Climate Monthly Webinars
This webinar series provides the Southeast region with timely information on current and developing climate conditions, such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña.

Get Involved: Submit Local Drought Impacts

Drought in your area? Tell us how drought is impacting your community by submitting a condition monitoring report. Your submissions help us better understand how drought is affecting local conditions.

Report Impacts

Drought in your area? Report Impacts

State & Regional Resources

North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council | Current Conditions

North Carolina Drought Assessment and Response Plan (2020)

State of North Carolina Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023)

North Carolina State Climate Office

North Carolina Environment and Climate Observing Network (ECONet)

Report: Drought Planning in the Southeast United States

CoCoRaHS | North Carolina

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Extension Service

NDMC | North Carolina Drought Planning Resources