ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A cluster of slow-moving thunderstorms dumped a record amount of rain at the Asheville Regional Airport, most of it within two hours.
Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 3.28 inches of rain fell at the airport, bringing the daily total for Saturday to 3.29 inches.
That total shattered the old daily record of 1.61 inches set in 2023.
Heavy rain fell throughout parts of western North Carolina Saturday, especially in southeast Buncombe and Henderson Counties, which were under a flood advisory part of Saturday evening.

JULY 2026 – Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 3.28 inches of rain fell at the Asheville Regional Airport, bringing the daily total for Saturday to 3.29 inches. (WLOS)
Sunday, July 19, brought an additional .37 inches of rain to the Asheville Regional Airport.
More rain is on the way this week, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms every day.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO DEVELOPS; HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED ALONG THE GULF COAST
Even though more than half of the WNC region remains in a severe drought, this recent rain, followed by more rain in the days ahead, will help.
The U.S. Drought Monitor updates every Thursday.
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