North Carolina Drought Worsens: Charlotte Area Reaches Extreme Levels

North Carolina is grappling with a severe drought, with several counties around Charlotte now classified as experiencing extreme drought conditions. The lack of rainfall has created a higher wildfire risk across the state, and water systems are being urged to implement water use reduction measures. Many areas have seen record-low rainfall over the past six months, with rainfall deficits exceeding 10 inches in some locations. ## Timeline * **Feb 13, 2026:** According to deq.nc.gov, drought conditions have worsened across North Carolina amid record-low rainfall for many areas across the past six months, with three counties now experiencing extreme drought, and most counties experiencing moderate or severe drought. 72 counties are in severe drought, 24 are in moderate drought, and one is abnormally dry. * **Feb 13, 2026:** According to wbtv.com, most of North Carolina is in a severe drought, with places around Charlotte in an extreme drought. Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties are in extreme drought. Rainfall totals in Charlotte are significantly below normal for 2026, with only 1.52 inches recorded compared to a normal of 4.72 inches.