CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over 7.5 million people in North Carolina are under drought conditions Thursday, according to the United States Drought Monitor updated that morning. In South Carolina, that number is just under 2.5 million.
In the Charlotte area, parts of Cleveland, York, and Chester counties are now under extreme drought conditions, which is considered a level 4 out of 5 on the weekly report. Otherwise, most most of the western Carolinas is under severe drought conditions, or a level 3.
Across the Piedmont region, six to eight inches of rain is needed to get the area out of drought conditions. However, large amounts of rain over a short period of time are also not ideal. Heavy rain can cause flooding. A light-to-moderate amount of rain over a long period of time is ideal for gently refiling water basins.
Drought conditions have led to wildfires across the Carolinas, especially in western North Carolina.
Low humidity, dry brush and vegetation, and light winds will keep the risk elevated until rain returns to the region.
Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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