Triangle remains 'abnormally dry'

Raleigh, N.C. — Heavy rains last weekend continued to push North Carolina's drought to the west, according to a report issued Thursday.

Twenty-four counties in eastern North Carolina are no longer experiencing any level of drought conditions, up from 16 a week ago, the state Drought Management Advisory Council said in its weekly report. Another 22 counties, including most of the Triangle, are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, the lowest of five drought levels monitored by the council.

The only areas of the Triangle that remain under moderate drought conditions are Chatham and Lee counties and western Harnett County.

Overall, 16 counties were listed as being in moderate drought, while 23 were experiencing severe drought conditions and 15 counties to the west of Charlotte were listed as being in extreme drought.