CHARLOTTE, N.C — Without a drop of rain in the last week, it continues to be bad news in the latest update to the drought monitor for the Carolinas.
It has been nearly a month since rain was recorded in the city of Charlotte, courtesy of Hurricane Matthew, on Oct 8. Since that storm, conditions have been dry and unseasonably warm across both North and South Carolina.
Current rainfall totals for the year in Charlotte remain nearly 6 inches behind average, sitting at 29.76 inches so far. The lack of recent rainfall has created growing concerns of drought not just locally, but throughout the southeast.
Extreme drought (red) continues to grow in the western counties of North Carolina. Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg County, abnormally dry conditions (yellow) continue through the start of November.
SLIDE the bar to compare the increased drought across North Carolina in the last month.
The issues continue in South Carolina as well, as extreme drought conditions have spread into eight western counties. In local counties such as York, Chester and Lancaster, abnormally dry conditions have expanded through the autumn season.
SLIDE the bar to compare the increased drought across South Carolina in the last month.
Looking ahead through the rest of the month, conditions are expected to stay below average for precipitation. Typically, the month of November brings roughly 3 inches of rain in Charlotte. The five-day forecast remains dry, with sunshine and above average temperatures continuing.
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