Since the beginning of January, Wilmington's rainfall this year has been the lowest ever recorded. Wilmington has only received 17.86 inches of rain through August 7 -- this is 15.47 inches below normal and is now beating the year 1909 for top spot on the local list of driest years in history.
This is particularly impressive given this time last year Wilmington was experiencing its wettest year in history. With the addition of 23 inches of rain from Hurricane Florence, Wilmington went on to record over 100 inches of rain in 2018 and established a new annual rainfall record for the city. Wilmington rainfall records began in 1871.
Driest in Wilmington, NC (Jan 1 - Aug 7) | Wettest in Wilmington, NC (Jan 1 - Aug 7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Year to date rainfall amounts for North Carolina. Southeastern North Carolina has been the driest portion of the state with many areas picking up less than 25 inches of rain since January 1. |
Year to date rainfall expressed as a percentage of normal shows the unusually dry conditions ongoing across southeastern North Carolina. Rainfall amounts so far this year have been between 50 and 70 percent of normal. |
Continued dry weather has led to ongoing drought conditions as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The most recent update shows many areas in southeastern North Carolina are experiencing a 'Moderate Drought.' Until significant rainfall occurs, these drought conditions will continue to expand.
Research and Page Author: Tim Armstrong
Page Created: August 8, 2019