Drought Information Statement for Southeast Georgia and Southeast South Carolina Valid April 3, 2026 Issued By: NWS Charleston, SC Contact Information: nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 17, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/chs/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Recent rainfall continues to be well below normal, with a near record lack of rainfall dating back to September 2025 Drought conditions continue to worsen, with the highest coverage of Extreme Drought (D3) across the area since 5/22/2012 Widespread significant rainfall is not expected over the next 7 days Though the rest of April is expected to bring below normal rainfall, there is potential for above normal rainfall for May and June U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): GA: Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven, Tattnall SC: Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper D2 (Severe Drought): GA: Jenkins, Screven SC: Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton D1 (Moderate Drought): GA: Jenkins, Screven SC: Allendale, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester D0: (Abnormally Dry): Allendale Precipitation Very dry conditions over the last 30 days The lack of rain extends back to September Charleston International Airport (CHS) Below normal rainfall every month September 2025 through March 2026 2nd driest September-March on record 49% of normal rainfall, 13.31” below normal Savannah International Airport (SAV) Below normal rainfall every month September 2025 through March 2026 3rd driest September-March on record 42% of normal rainfall, 13.41” below normal Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts No impacts recently reported Agricultural Impacts On 4/1, a farmer in Allendale County reported severely dry conditions with significant impacts to crops and irrigation ponds. On 4/2, there was a public report in Berkeley County of very low water levels in area swamps and visual stress in red maple trees. Fire Hazard Impacts During the last week of March, the US Forest Service reported 2 wildfires in Berkeley County. The Bullhead wildfire grew to 420 acres and the Candlestick wildfire grew to 87 acres. Both wildfires are now reported as contained. The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) issued a burning ban for the entire state effective at 4pm on 3/27. The ban was then lifted on 3/30. As of 4/3, SCFC reported 11 wildfires in southeast SC that were 100% contained. As of 4/3, the Georgia Forestry Commission reported 4 wildfires in southeast GA that were 100% contained. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Widespread significant rainfall is not expected to impact southeast GA and southeast SC over the next 7 days Some localized rainfall will be possible today (4/3) with scattered showers and thunderstorms The next chance of rain will come later Sunday (4/5) and early Monday (4/6) as a cold front moves through Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage For the rest of April, there is an increased chance for below normal rainfall For the April-June period there is an increased chance of above normal rainfall Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There is potential for drought conditions to improve over the next 3 months This is primarily due to an increased chance of above normal rainfall across the April-June time period