46 counties are in moderate drought conditions; another 34 are classified as abnormally dry. (Map: NCdrought.org)
Nearly half of North Carolina is experiencing a moderate drought and another 31% of the state is abnormally dry, according to the most recent NC Drought Monitor.
Over the past week moderate drought conditions have crept toward the Piedmont from the southeast, where Brunswick County and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority have advised their customers to conserve water.
Raleigh has reported its driest spring so far on record, with just 4.93 inches of rain; the
Most of eastern North Carolina is at least 4 inches below normal for the season.