Droughts
Droughts are a part of climate, just like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Unlike the other hazards that affect the state, droughts can impact large areas and last for months, or even years. A drought is defined as the lack of soil moisture over a period of time. This lack of moisture can be due to reduced precipitation, increased evaporation and/or transpiration, or higher temperatures. It can also be caused by a combination of all of these causes.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, North Carolina | USDA
You can learn more about the history and current drought conditions in North Carolina through State Climate Office of North Carolina or by visiting the National Drought Monitor.
Did You Know?
In the 2007-2008, one of the worst droughts on record impacted North Carolina. It began with dry conditions in May 2007, which lasted through the summer and into the fall and winter. By December, nearly 2/3rds of the state was categorized as being in exceptional drought conditions and 80% of water customers in the state faced restrictions. The drought caused over $550 million in damages to North Carolina’s agricultural industry.