COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has shared its updated drought levels as of July 16 for the state.

Much of Columbus County is still in an extreme drought, other parts of the county and parts of Bladen County are in a severe drought, and parts of Pender County and northern Brunswick County are in a moderate drought, while the rest of Brunswick County and New Hanover County are abnormally dry.

Voluntary water conservation measures are in effect for Columbus and Brunswick counties.

Across the state, Yadkin County is now also in extreme drought, while 21 counties are in a a severe drought. Parts of 49 counties are in moderate drought, and 21 counties are abnormally dry.

“We continue to see drought impacts statewide, but some improvement could be on the way,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “Forecasts are predicting heavy rain this weekend across all of North Carolina and a return to more typical temperatures and rainfall for the month.”

You can view the drought map online on the NCDEQ website.

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