Drought conditions worsening in NC as 2026 breaks record for driest year at RDU so far

While no rain in this week's forecast is good news for outdoor activities, it's not good for the worsening drought in North Carolina. 

According to WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth, 2026 is the driest year on record, so far, for the Raleigh-Durham area. 

Last week, the severe drought covered 89% of the state, and extreme drought conditions were up to 10%. 

The updated drought monitor released Thursday determined that the extreme drought conditions have expanded and now cover 17% of the state, including parts of Northampton, Warren and Halifax counties. Severe drought conditions are down to 77% as a result. 

This week's forecast does not see any rain so far, which could worsen drought conditions by next week. 

Wilmoth said the RDU area has seen roughly six inches of rain so far this year, which is 5.18 inches below average rainfall totals.

Data from the U.S. Geological Survey also shows a spike in stream gauges reporting record-low water levels for this time of year, the highest number since 2017.

For farmers, the impacts are already being felt.

“It’s just completely dry, and we’ve been trying to plant corn, and it’s just … I don’t know whether it’s enough moisture to germinate,” said Steve Nelms, a farmer in Franklin County. “We’re hoping it’ll rain.”

Nelms said the lack of moisture is threatening both planting and crop yields, particularly for wheat.

“If it doesn’t rain very shortly, it’s going to be half or less than the normal yield,” Nelms said.

Beyond agriculture, water utilities are also watching conditions closely.

Ed Buchan with Raleigh Water said it is unusual to see reservoir levels this low heading into spring.

“It is rare to be this low,” Buchan said.

Raleigh’s primary water source, Falls Lake, is currently at about 87% of its water supply pool. The city’s drought trigger for April is 85%.

“We’re quite close,” Buchan said, adding that the city may alert customers soon that restrictions could be coming, largely focused on irrigation.

Buchan said the system is not in immediate danger, but said the situation is unusual for this time of year.

"I keep hoping and praying for rain, but it's not on the horizon," Buchan said.

Due to our dry conditions, wildfire risk is increasing. In Cumberland County, crews were seen working to contain a large outdoor fire near Fayetteville. WRAL's Sky 5 flew over the scene where smoke could be seen coming from a field.

The North Carolina Forest Service issued a statewide burn ban in late March as forests and vegetation continue to dry out.

The risk is especially high in western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene left behind large amounts of downed trees and debris that can fuel fires.