Drought Information Statement for Eastern/Central VA, NE NC and Lower MD Eastern Shore 
Valid February 27, 2025
Issued By: NWS Wakefield, VA
Contact Information: 
This product will be updated on March 27, 2025 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/AKQ/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 
Questions or comments can be sent to jonathan.mcgee@noaa.gov 
MODERATE DROUGHT (D1) COVERS THE LOWER MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE, THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA AND PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA

U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought intensity and Extent
D1 (Moderate Drought): The lower Maryland and Virginia Eastern Shore, the Northern Neck of Virginia and portions of northeast North Carolina

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change
 
Drought Improved: A one to two category improvement in drought conditions occurred over central and eastern VA, the lower Maryland Eastern Shore and for a portion of northeast NC. 

No Change: Drought conditions remained the same for areas just north of the Albemarle Sound in northeast North Carolina. 
 

Precipitation
Above normal precipitation has been observed during the past 30 days across central and eastern Virginia, the lower Maryland Eastern Shore and much of northeast North Carolina.
Near to below normal precipitation has been observed during the past 30 days for areas just north of the Albemarle Sound in northeast North Carolina. 


Summary of Impacts
Hydrologic Impacts 
Below normal or much-below-normal 7-day streamflows are currently observed across the lower MD Eastern Shore and the lower Potomac and Rappahannock River basins.
Normal to above normal 7-day streamflows are found across the remainder of central and eastern  Virginia and also in the Chowan River basin of northeast North Carolina.

Mitigation Actions
State of Virginia continues the drought watch for the Northern Neck and the Eastern Shore. 
State of Maryland continues the drought warning for the Eastern Shore. 
A drought advisory is in effect for all of northeast North Carolina.


Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
Below normal or much-below-normal 7-day streamflows are currently observed across the lower MD Eastern Shore and the lower Potomac and Rappahannock River basins.
Normal to above normal 7-day streamflows are found across the remainder of central and eastern  Virginia and also in northeast North Carolina.


Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Limited precipitation amounts are expected over the next 7 days, ending March 4, 2025. Most locations will see less than a quarter of an inch.


Long-Range Outlooks
There is an equal chance of precipitation amounts being above or below normal from March 1st through the end of May.
Above normal temperatures are favored from March 1st through the end of May.


Drought Outlook
Drought conditions are expected to persist through the end of May across the northern coastal Plain and Eastern Shore of Virginia, the lower Maryland Eastern Shore and in northeast North Carolina adjacent to the Albemarle Sound.