In Wilmington, 2019 has been the driest year ever recorded through August 7

Since the beginning of January, Wilmington's rainfall this year has been the lowest ever recorded. Wilmington has only received 17.86 inches of rain through August 7 -- this is 15.47 inches below normal and is now beating the year 1909 for top spot on the local list of driest years in history.

Year to date rainfall in Wilmington through August 7 is the lowest on record

This is particularly impressive given this time last year Wilmington was experiencing its wettest year in history. With the addition of 23 inches of rain from Hurricane Florence, Wilmington went on to record over 100 inches of rain in 2018 and established a new annual rainfall record for the city. Wilmington rainfall records began in 1871.

Driest in Wilmington, NC (Jan 1 - Aug 7)

Wettest in Wilmington, NC (Jan 1 - Aug 7)

Year	Rainfall Amount
2019	17.86"
1909	18.34"
2011	19.36"
1927	19.54"
1902	19.82"

Year	Rainfall Amount
2018	60.18"
1966	49.54"
1886	47.15"
1969	46.48"
1889	44.61"

NC Rainfall Year to Date

Year to date rainfall amounts for North Carolina. Southeastern North Carolina has been the driest portion of the state with many areas picking up less than 25 inches of rain since January 1.

Year to Date Rainfall Percentage of Normal

Year to date rainfall expressed as a percentage of normal shows the unusually dry conditions ongoing across southeastern North Carolina. Rainfall amounts so far this year have been between 50 and 70 percent of normal.

Continued dry weather has led to ongoing drought conditions as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The most recent update shows many areas in southeastern North Carolina are experiencing a 'Moderate Drought.' Until significant rainfall occurs, these drought conditions will continue to expand.

U.S. Drought Monitor shows moderate drought conditions across SE North Carolina

Research and Page Author: Tim Armstrong
Page Created: August 8, 2019