CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
The first week of 2022 kicked off with rain, sleet, and even snow across the Carolinas, so it may not be a surprise to anyone the first drought update of the new year showed improvement for both North and South Carolina.
There are two main takeaways as of Jan. 6, 2022.
First, the entire state of South Carolina saw its abnormally dry conditions (D0) almost cut in half. The percentage dropped from 81% to just 48% in the past week.
Second, North Carolina’s severe drought (D2) plummeted from 42% to just above 3%.
Here’s where we stand:
North Carolina
- Abnormally dry (D0): 97%
- Moderate drought (D1): 60%
- Severe drought (D2): 3%
South Carolina
- Abnormally dry (D0): 48%
- Moderate drought (D1): 32%
- Severe drought (D2): 8%
NOTE: D0 (or abnormally dry) is not technically a level of drought. This is only the precursor to drought.
Why have conditions improved so much?
The largest reason for improvement with our local drought is of course: rain. As of Jan. 6, 2022, Charlotte is already 1.81 inches wetter than average with a monthly rainfall total of 2.42 inches.
Our big rain day was earlier this week when Monday, Jan. 3, had a daily rainfall total of 1.79 inches. While that didn’t break the record, it was the first time we’ve recorded an inch of rain in one day since Sept. 1, 2021. That’s the most rain in a single day in over 4 months!
How many people are still living in drought areas?
These numbers are estimated by the U.S. drought monitor. A “drought area” is considered a D1 (or moderate drought) and higher.
Currently, 5,116,541 folks in North Carolina and 1,151,049 in South Carolina are living under drought conditions. While this may seem high, there’s been a 38.6% decrease for North Carolina and a 55.6% decrease for South Carolina in the past month.
Now, let’s hope this trend continues. If it does, we’ll be looking much better entering the growing season. Especially since the Queen City ended 2021 almost 8 inches drier than average.
Brittany Van Voorhees: Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
