The recent rainy trend continued in many parts of North Carolina last week, further improving drought conditions. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday, parts of the state remain in severe to extreme drought, including some of the Smoky Mountain News coverage area.
The latest map, which includes data from Aug. 4-11, still shows many areas experiencing drought conditions. Portions of Macon, Jackson and Transylvania counties continue to be in extreme drought, the second worst category. Part of Columbus County in southeastern North Carolina also is categorized as in extreme drought. More information on what the classifications mean for water systems and the public is available at ncdrought.org. To learn more, visit DEQ’s drought education page.