CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The first United States drought monitor was released on Jan. 5, 2023, and shows little change across the Carolinas -- 51% of South Carolina and 44% of North Carolina remain drier-than-normal (D0) which is a precursor to moderate drought.
Additionally, 25% of North Carolina and 11% of South Carolina are under moderate drought conditions (D1) including a large portion of Anson, Richmond, and Chesterfield counties.
Although the drought monitor is released Thursday mornings, data stops being collected each Tuesday morning, so this does not include yesterday's rainfall.
Droughts build over time but they also take time to get back to "normal."
We ended 2022 pretty close to normal rainfall-wise but remember we ended 2021 almost 8 inches drier than average.
What is the drought monitor?
The U.S. drought monitor is a weekly assessment of drought conditions using a variety of parameters from multiple agencies.
While drought is often referred to in conjunction with rain, it's so much more than that.
The drought monitor factors in precipitation as well as streamflow, groundwater levels, reservoir levels, soil moisture and even snowpack.
Why are droughts so important to monitor?
Drought is a normal part of the climate cycle. However, it's a slow-moving hazard that often causes people to underestimate the damage it can do.
According to the United States drought monitor website, losses from drought are as substantial as those from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other weather disasters.
Drought causes loss of agriculture; affects the water supply, energy production, public health, and wildlife; and can contribute to wildfires across the country.
Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.