ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Extreme drought has been officially eliminated from the western Carolinas, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update.

According to the national summary, western North Carolina stood out for noticeable progress compared to surrounding regions.

Last week’s map showed an extreme drought pocket that was previously anchored across parts of Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties.

Local metrics improved across the board this week, with abnormally dry area dropping from 94% to 88%, moderate drought easing from 37% to 34%, and severe drought falling from 8% to 3%.

DROUGHT CONDITIONS IMPROVE ACROSS WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL

Additionally, gray areas on the map indicate regions that have cleared drought classifications altogether, with northern mountain counties like Mitchell, Yancey, and Madison showing areas completely clear of dry conditions.

Buncombe County has made significant progress, with Asheville and central parts of the county officially clearing active drought categories. Official rainfall for the city is measured nearby at the Asheville Regional Airport.

Early summer rain drove much of this improvement, bringing 13.64 inches of precipitation since June 1, nearly an inch above the seasonal average.

However, August rain has tapped the brakes on that momentum. Asheville has picked up 2.89 inches of rain so far this month, falling about one third of an inch short of the 3.25-inch average.

LATEST U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR SHOWS DRY CONDITIONS EASING IN WNC WITH RECENT RAINS

Because August hasn’t added to the summer surplus, the year-to-date total stands at 31.56 inches. That leaves the official observation site nearly an inch behind the normal 32.40-inch benchmark.

While heavy downpours can make an individual month feel wet, drought recovery is a slow process that requires sustained moisture over extended periods.

Our region entered the summer carrying deep rainfall deficits built over a dry winter and spring, and those long-term hydrologic deficits do not clear automatically.

Rain chances over the next couple of days will offer a few more opportunities to keep chipping away at those remaining long-term deficits.