Drought Information Statement for Central North Carolina 
Valid March 6, 2025
Issued By: NWS Raleigh
Contact Information: 
This Drought Information Statement will be updated by March 21, 2025.
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/RAH/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements.
Questions or comments can be sent to barrett.smith@noaa.gov 


Severe Drought (D2) has developed across portions of the southern Piedmont and Sandhills.  Moderate Drought (D1) and Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions continue across the rest of central NC.

Light rain is possible across southern portions of NC this weekend, but overall rainfall is still expected to be below normal through the middle of next week.
1

Current Drought Conditions
Graphic Courtesy of the North Carolina State Climate Office

Current Drought Conditions
Latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map and One-Week Change

Main Takeaways
Severe Drought (D2) conditions are observed across portions of the Southern Piedmont and Sandhills.
Moderate Drought (D1) conditions are observed into the coastal plain.
Image Caption: 
Left: U.S. Drought Monitor valid 8am EST March 6th.
Right: U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map valid 8am EST March 6th. 
Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor valid 8am EDT June 1st.
Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor 4-week change map valid 8am EDT June 1st. 

Observed Precipitation


Main Takeaways
While there have been several weather system to move across NC in the past 30-60 days, portions of southern and eastern NC did not receive normal rainfall and in some areas saw well below normal rainfall



Latest 30-Day Rainfall and Percent of Normal Rainfall

Image Captions: 
Left - Precipitation Amount for NC
Right - Percent of Normal Precipitation for NC
Data Courtesy NWS National Water Prediction Service
Data over the past 30 days ending March 4, 2025
https://storage.googleapis.com/noaa-nidis-drought-gov-data/current-conditions/nws-dgt-images/nws-30-day-precipitation_-percent-of-prism-normal-appalachia.png
https://storage.googleapis.com/noaa-nidis-drought-gov-data/current-conditions/nws-dgt-images/nws-nwps-30-day-precipitation-accumulations-(inches)-appalachia.png



Precipitation Forecast


Next 7 days: 

Light to moderate rain may move across the region from Saturday night into early Monday, with the best chance in the southeast.

Rainfall will be dependent on the ultimate track of the low, but amounts are not expected to be heavy, with the current forecast only a tenth to quarter inch south and east of Raleigh.




Image Caption: 
Weather Prediction Center 7-day precipitation forecast valid Friday March 7 to Friday March 14, 2025 
Latest 7-Day Precipitation Forecast


8-14 Day Outlook

Temperature and Precipitation Outlook


Main Takeaways

There is a 50-60% chance of above normal temperatures in Days 8-14 across central North Carolina.

There are slightly increased chances (33-50%) of above normal precipitation in Days 8-14.


Possible Impact

Possible improved drought conditions

Image Captions: 
Left - Climate Prediction Center 8-14 Day Temperature Outlook. 
Right - Climate Prediction Center 8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook.
Valid March 14 -20, 2025

Weeks 3-4 Outlook


Temperature and Precipitation Outlook


Main Takeaways
There is a slight lean (50-55%) to above normal precipitation across the northern portions of NC, with equal chances of above or below normal precipitation across the south for late March into early April.

There is a lean toward above normal temperatures (55-60%).


Possible Impact
If near to above normal rainfall does not occur in the next 2 weeks, the uncertainty in rainfall combined with a higher probability of above normal temperatures could worsen drought conditions as we hear through the early portion of the agricultural season.

Image Captions: 
Left - Climate Prediction Center Weeks 3-4 Temperature Outlook. 
Right - Climate Prediction Center Weeks 3-4 Precipitation Outlook.
Valid March 22-April 4, 2025