Western North Carolina and the Upstate region are now entirely under severe drought conditions, according to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. The designation covers 100% of the area, marking a significant escalation in dryness that has intensified over recent weeks due to persistently low rainfall and above-average temperatures.
The expansion of drought conditions has raised concerns among farmers, water managers, and public safety officials about potential impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and wildfire risk. As reservoirs drop and soil moisture declines, local authorities are urging residents to conserve water and prepare for possible restrictions in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, a joint project of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, released its weekly update showing that all counties in western North Carolina and the Upstate now fall under the D2 (severe drought) category or worse. This represents a sharp increase from just a month ago, when less than half the region was classified under severe drought.
Drought Conditions Spread Amid Persistent Dry Pattern
Meteorologists attribute the worsening drought to a prolonged lack of significant rainfall across the region, combined with higher-than-normal temperatures that have increased evaporation rates. According to data from the National Weather Service in Greer, South Carolina, many areas in the Upstate have received less than 50% of their normal precipitation over the past 90 days.
In Asheville, rainfall totals for March and April were among the lowest on record, with the city receiving just over 1 inch of rain during that period—far below the historical average of nearly 6 inches. Similar deficits were reported in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Hendersonville, where streamflows have dropped to levels typically seen only during late summer or early fall.
The drought’s impact is already visible in agricultural sectors. Farmers in Henderson County, a major apple-producing region, have reported stress on orchards due to dry soil, while cattle producers in the Foothills are supplementing feed earlier than usual as pasture growth stalls. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has begun monitoring crop conditions closely and coordinating with extension agents to provide guidance on irrigation and soil moisture conservation.
Water Conservation Urged as Reservoirs Decline
Public water systems across the region are monitoring reservoir levels and groundwater supplies. While no mandatory restrictions have been issued yet, several utilities have encouraged voluntary conservation measures. The Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County noted that water demand has remained steady despite the dry conditions, but warned that continued drought could strain supplies if rainfall does not return soon.
Lake Lure and Lake Adger, both key water sources in western North Carolina, are currently below their seasonal averages. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages several reservoirs in the region, said We see adjusting release rates to balance downstream needs with conservation goals, though it emphasized that current storage remains within operational parameters.
Wildfire risk has also increased, prompting the North Carolina Forest Service to elevate its fire danger rating in multiple counties. Officials have reported a rise in brush fires over the past two weeks, though most have been contained quickly due to rapid response efforts. The agency urged the public to avoid burning debris and to exercise caution with outdoor activities that could spark flames.
Outlook and Monitoring Continues
Climate forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center indicate that the drought may persist through the spring, with equal chances of above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation expected over the next month. However, long-range models suggest a potential shift toward wetter conditions later in the summer, though confidence in those projections remains low.
State and local agencies will continue to monitor drought indicators, including soil moisture, streamflow, and reservoir levels, and will issue updates as conditions evolve. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to follow any guidance issued by their local water providers or emergency management offices.
For real-time drought updates and conservation tips, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor website or contact your local county extension office. Share this information to support others stay prepared, and let us know in the comments how the drought is affecting your community.
