Archived Outdoors

Severe drought comes to WNC

Written by
Wednesday, June 29, 2016

out droughtFor the first time since September, severe drought is affecting North Carolina — including portions of Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Transylvania counties. 

“Severe drought” is the second highest of four drought categories used by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The portion of Western North Carolina not in “severe drought” is currently in “moderate drought.” Soil moisture, stream flows and groundwater levels are all suffering. 

“If these dry conditions continue, this area may see additional impacts that could affect agriculture,” said Rebecca Ward, extension climatologist with the State Climate Office of North Carolina.

Drought maps are updated every Thursday and posted at www.ncdrought.org. To learn how to use water more efficiently, visit www.savewaternc.org. 

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