Drought Alert: 100% of Western North Carolina Now Affected
By Marge | Published 2026-04-16T21:39:50.847Z
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WNC -- April 16, 2026 As of April 16, 2026, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has confirmed that 100% of North Carolina is officially in a drought.
WNC -- April 16, 2026: As of April 16, 2026, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has confirmed that 100% of North Carolina is officially in a drought. For our mountain communities, the data is stark: 100% of Western North Carolina is under a "Severe" and "Extreme" Drought.The Facts of the DroughtA Historic Deficit: This is the 3rd driest start to a year since 1895. Many areas in WNC are nearly 10 inches below normal rainfall.Statewide Impact: 95% of the state is in "Severe" dr