Drought Information Statement for Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC
Valid June 26, 2026
Issued By: National Weather Service Wilmington, NC
Contact Information: ilm.webmaster@noaa.gov
This product will be updated July 3, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  

SEVERE TO EXTREME DROUGHT PERSISTS OVER THE AREA

U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought intensity and Extent
D4 (Exceptional Drought): none
D3 (Extreme Drought): Georgetown, Brunswick, coastal Horry, and northern Marlboro counties
D2 (Severe Drought): Williamsburg, Florence, Marion, Darlington, Dillon, Robeson, Bladen, Columbus, New Hanover, southern Marlboro, and interior Pender and Horry counties
D1 (Moderate Drought): eastern Pender County
D0 (Abnormally Dry): none

Precipitation
Despite widespread rain falling on June 2, 14, and 19, rainfall totals for June remain only 30 to 60 percent of normal in many areas. 
Six-month rainfall totals are only 40 to 80 percent of normal, or 4 to 11 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.

Summary of Impacts
Hydrologic Impacts 
Gauges on the Cape Fear, Waccamaw, Lumber, Pee Dee, and Little Pee Dee rivers are near or below the lowest stage and flow on record for this time of year.  Local media reports that recreational use of the Waccamaw River is being impeded by exposed stumps and shoals.

Agricultural Impacts
Local media indicates tomatoes, squash, and cucumber crops across the Pee Dee region are being negatively impacted by the drought. Local market prices are up and farmers are using more irrigation water than normal.

Fire Hazard Impacts
Burn bans are active in Brunswick County, NC

Other Impacts
Observed soil moisture at the Castle Hayne, NC ECONet station is “exceptionally dry,” 2nd percentile for June.

Mitigation Actions
Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.

Long-Range Outlooks
Monthly Outlooks for July indicate a 50-60 percent chance for above normal temperatures, and “equal chances” for precipitation to land in the below, near, or above normal categories.

Drought Outlook
By the end of September, rainfall could lead to improving drought conditions for all but inland areas west of Interstate 95. 

There is some potential that August and September rainfall could be sufficient to end the drought along limited portions of the North Carolina coast.