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Much of Western North Carolina still abnormally dry
Most of the state is at least abnormally dry with some areas in a drought. ncdrought.org graphic
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified most of the state as at least abnormally dry with only a few counties entirely normal. Over half of the state’s counties are abnormally while 42 counties — all east of The Smoky Mountain News coverage area — are in a moderate drought. Onslow County is in a severe drought.
Following a rash of 1,000-plus-acre fires earlier in the month, there is now a fire burning in Swain County that has threatened homes in the southern part of the county.
Although there was some precipitation earlier this week, the dry conditions are persisting, meaning most outdoor burning is considered risky.
