ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — More than half of News 13’s coverage area, which includes western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, is in an extreme drought as of Thursday, April 16.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 59% of the area is in extreme drought, and 100% of it is in severe drought. Extreme drought is up 9% from last week and up 34.6% over the last month.
DROUGHT PERSISTS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: HOW ONE CLIMATE CYCLE PLAYS A KEY ROLE
The state of North Carolina has 95% severe drought and 22% extreme drought. Meanwhile, severe drought covers 93% of South Carolina, and 33% of the state is in extreme drought.
The forecast shows a 40% chance of showers Saturday night into Sunday morning, which could bring some slight relief.
Three months ago, 97% of News 13’s coverage area was in moderate drought, and 56% was in severe drought.