Drought Information Statement for Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC Valid May 22, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Wilmington, NC Contact Information: ilm.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated June 19, 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/ilm/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): none D3 (Extreme Drought): Georgetown, Williamsburg, Horry, Marion, Darlington, Marlboro, Columbus counties D2 (Severe Drought): Florence, Dillon, Robeson, Bladen, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties D1 (Moderate Drought): none D0: (Abnormally Dry): none Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Coastal portions of the Cape Fear region of southeastern North Carolina No Change: Northeastern South Carolina, and inland portions of southeastern North Carolina Drought Improved: none Precipitation Rainfall totals over the past 30 days have run 40 to 80 percent of normal. The largest negative departures are present over eastern South Carolina. Six-month rainfall totals are only 50 to 60 percent of normal, or 7 to 10 inches below normal. Temperature Temperatures over the prior week and month have run well above normal across most of the United States. This has increased evaporation rates and may over time lead to decreasing soil moisture. Hydrologic Impacts Many local rivers are at the lowest stage and flow on record for this time of year. Voluntary water conservation measures are in place in Myrtle Beach and Georgetown. Agricultural Impacts Condition Monitoring Observer Reports show the drought is impacting corn germination and growth in Florence County, SC. Fire Hazard Impacts Burn bans issued by local and state governments earlier in the month have been lifted due to recent rainfall. Other Impacts Reports indicate ponds are three feet below normal in Georgetown County, SC. Local news reports exposed tree stumps and debris are causing problems for power boats in the Pee Dee river. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. See the USGS National Water Dashboard for information on specific rivers and gauges. Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index remains in the normal range for this time of year. Fire Hazard Impacts There is a heightened potential for wildfire during May due to observed and forecast temperature and rainfall across all of North and South Carolina. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Seven-day forecast rainfall through Friday, May 29 ranges from one to three inches, highest along and west of the Interstate 95 corridor. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook No local impacts Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Forecast climate conditions through June include increased likelihood of above normal temperatures and near normal rainfall. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Through August, rainfall could lead to improving drought conditions near the immediate coast, but inland areas should continue to experience drought.