Drought update for the Carolinas | May 29, 2025

Take a closer look at the drought monitor to see which areas are seeing progress.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The United States Drought Monitor comes out every Thursday morning. Our WCNC Charlotte Weather Impact Team is happy to report that significant improvement continues due to recent rainfall.

On May 29, 2025, only 36% of North Carolina was under D0 abnormally dry conditions (also referred to as a Level 1 drought). 6% of the state was under D1 moderate drought conditions (Level 2 drought), with all of those spots along eastern sides of the state.

Compared to two months ago, when these numbers were 95% and 61% respectively, this is amazing news.

For South Carolina, the latest numbers show D0 at 29% and D1 at 11%. There is a small sliver of the state (less than 3%) under a D2 severe drought, or Level 3 drought.

Two months ago, these numbers were 99%, 60%, and less than 3%. So, while the severe drought hasn’t nudged much, the other statistics are extremely promising.

Drought monitor today compared to two months ago. The improvement is clear! @wcnc pic.twitter.com/ul7juVMnj5

— Brittany Van Voorhees (@WeatherBrittany) May 29, 2025

Why are droughts a big deal heading into summer?

Although summer is typically the rainy season in the Southeast, elevated drought conditions are not ideal before numerous rain events because they can increase the impacts of flooding and runoff.

During a prolonged drought, the soil can become hard and compacted, reducing its ability to soak up water. This means more water slides across the soil, rather than absorbing it.

Some of the longest droughts can also cause the soil to become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water completely. It’s like the story of Goldilocks; you don’t want too much saturation, or too little saturation. It has to be just right.

When is the last time we were not under a drought?

The last time North Carolina was under no drought conditions was October 15, 2024. The last time South Carolina was under no drought conditions was October 1, 2024.