(WLOS) — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor was released this morning.
The data shows that recent rain has improved the drought situation, somewhat, across western North Carolina and the Upstate.
The data shows that recent rain has improved the drought situation, somewhat, across western North Carolina and the Upstate.
However, our area still has a long way to go before the drought ends.
Last week’s drought monitor showed more than 90 percent of the region in an extreme drought, with 5 percent in the highest category of drought, a D4 Exceptional Drought.
Previous drought monitor from May 19, 2026 (WLOS)
The new drought monitor shows that the majority of the region has fallen from a D3 Extreme Drought to a D2 Severe Drought.
However, a significant portion of western North Carolina, including most of the counties west of Asheville, remains in the Extreme Drought category.
After a dry spell, the Asheville Regional Airport picked up more than seven and a half inches of rain over an eight-day period. (WLOS)
After a dry spell, the Asheville Regional Airport picked up more than seven and a half inches of rain over an eight-day period.
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The wettest day was Memorial Day, when nearly three inches of rain fell at the airport and parts of Henderson County experienced flash flooding.