Archived Outdoors

Severe drought hits southeastern N.C.

Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 84 are currently abnormally dry or experiencing drought — but the far western region is so far exempt. 

Six counties in the southeastern part of the state are in severe drought, with 49 more in moderate drought and 29 counties experiencing abnormally dry conditions according to the most recent drought report released June 3. 

Abnormally dry conditions extend as far west as Madison, Buncombe and Yancey counties. The June 3 report is the first time since Oct. 22, 2019, that severe drought has been reported in the state. However, due to the extended forecast at the time the June 3 report was issued, N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council Chairman Klaus Albertin said he was hopeful the severe drought would be short-lived. This spring has been North Carolina’s ninth-driest on record. 

The drought map is updated every Thursday at www.ncdrought.org/education

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.