Drought Information Statement for Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC Valid July 3, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Wilmington, NC Contact Information: ilm.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated July 10, 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, Williamsburg, Marlboro, Horry, Columbus, Brunswick, and western Pender counties D2 (Severe Drought): Florence, Marion, Darlington, Dillon, Robeson, Bladen, and New Hanover counties D1 (Moderate Drought): eastern Pender County D0 (Abnormally Dry): none Precipitation Scattered t-storms brought rain to some parts of the area June 26 and June 28. Outside of Robeson County, 3-week rainfall has only been 20-30 percent of normal. Longer-term (6 month) rainfall deficits continue to worsen along the coast, nearly 12 inches short in Wilmington & Myrtle Beach. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Gauges on the Northeast Cape Fear, Cape Fear, Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Little Pee Dee rivers are near or below the lowest stage and flow on record for this time of year. Low water levels are curtailing recreational activities on Waccamaw River. Agricultural Impacts Local broadcast media quoted a Conway, SC farmer saying a continued lack of rain in the next 1-2 weeks would end any chance of a successful corn harvest. A public report from near Atkinson, NC says corn loss is extensive, with a complete or near-complete crop failure. Another public report from near Oak Island, NC says oaks and pines are dropping leaves and needles due to the drought. Fire Hazard Impacts A Burn Ban remains active in Brunswick County, NC. North Carolina’s State Fire Marshal is urging residents to not shoot fireworks at home due to the heightened fire risk. The National Interagency Fire Center is predicting an above-normal risk for wildfire through August across eastern North and South Carolina. Other Impacts Brunswick County, NC has enacted mandatory water conservation measures. The Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority has activated its drought management plan, and Loris, SC’s city government has declared a severe drought emergency. Georgetown County, SC’s Water & Sewer District is asking for voluntary water conservation. Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index is well below normal across portions of the coastal plain of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Fire Hazard Impacts There is a heightened potential for wildfire during April due to observed and forecast temperature and rainfall across all of North and South Carolina. The heightened wildfire risk may continue for coastal sections of the Carolinas throughout May. 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 The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage 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.