RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – North Carolina has experienced abnormally dry conditions recently.

The Drought Management Advisory Council now says the entire state is in dry conditions.

Data released today shows 89 counties are abnormally dry, while 11 counties in the Northeast are experiencing moderate drought.

The Southeast Regional Climate Center says that in October, the state recorded the five lowest precipitation totals on record. A few places recorded their lowest rainfall ever for the month.

The council says even parts of the state hit by Hurricane Helene have received less than a tenth of an inch of rain since early October.

“The drought is the result of persistent high pressure systems and cold fronts pushing more humid air away from North Carolina,” said Klaus Albertin, DMAC president. “Although the drought is noticeable, the impacts so far have been limited. A very humid month of September, saturated with soil and full reservoirs. Additionally, municipal demands are less, the majority of crops have been harvested, and recreational use of the rivers is declining.

The council believes rainfall is expected to improve.

“Everything indicates that weather conditions are changing and that the first part of November will remain warm but will experience an increased chance of precipitation,” Albertin said.

The drought map is updated every Thursday.

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