The latest drought monitor update for this week, Thursday, February 19, now highlights a small area in extreme drought. Parts of Bertie, Edgecombe, Halifax, Martin, and Nash counties are the main areas feeling the impact of this ongoing dry spell. It is the first time in 17 years that this portion of the state has seen an extreme drought.
Despite the recent rain and snow melt across the area, it was not enough to dent the drought. Areas highlighted in light orange are in severe drought, including areas east of I-95 and parts of Highway 264, 17, and 70. The light brown/beige color includes inland coastal and southern counties, as well as the Northern Outer Banks. Coastal Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties are abnormally dry.
Drought Update for Thursday, Feb. 19th, 2026(WITN)
The previous update, from February 12th, 2026, did not show that the severe drought category and moderate drought conditions expanded. Portions of the Outer Banks were still in abnormally dry conditions, too.
Last weeks drought monitor: Feb 12th, 2026(WITN)
As this ongoing dry spell continues to linger, crops for the upcoming spring and summer months will start to feel the effects for farmers, as it is putting stress on the soil levels. This also starts to impact the fire weather season, with the dry ground and lack of moisture. Warmer weather and breezy conditions can also create an issue, as that can cause fires to spread.
Weekend rainfall outlook: Feb. 21-22, 2026(WITN)
With the upcoming weekend underway, we will have another chance of rain to move in, allowing us to see another 0.25-0.50 inch of rain. Areas along the coast could see up to an inch if the heavy bands of showers set up. Looking beyond this, we will see a few drier days early next week. Another round of rain moves in late next week. While it is not much, any helping rainfall will be welcomed across the area, especially now that we are in a severe drought.
Download the WITN First Alert Weather App for free from the Google Play or the App Store as we track another round of rain for the weekend.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.