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North Carolina sees drought, widespread abnormally dry conditions 

Most of North Carolina is at least abnormally dry. ncdrought.org photo Most of North Carolina is at least abnormally dry. ncdrought.org photo

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified most of the state as abnormally dry, while 56 counties are at least partially in a moderate drought, including almost the entire Smoky Mountain News coverage area. 

Amid the ongoing dry conditions, there have been numerous fires of various sizes across the western part of the state, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has implemented a parkwide burn ban on and off over the last few weeks.

Although there was some precipitation late last week and earlier this week, the dry conditions are persisting, meaning any outdoor burning is considered risky.

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