Drought Information Statement for Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC Valid August 7, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Wilmington, NC Contact Information: ilm.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated August 14, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. SEVERE TO EXTREME DROUGHT PERSISTS OVER MOST OF THE AREA EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT IS OCCURRING ACROSS WESTERN BRUNSWICK AND EXTREME NORTHEASTERN HORRY COUNTIES U.S. Drought Monitor D4 (Exceptional Drought): Western Brunswick and extreme northeastern Horry counties D3 (Extreme Drought):Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg, southern Columbus, southern Marion, and southern Florence counties D2 (Severe Drought): Robeson, Bladen, Dillon, Marlboro, Darlington, central Brunswick, northern Columbus, northern Marion, and northern Florence counties D1 (Moderate Drought): New Hanover, and eastern Pender counties D0: (Abnormally Dry): none Precipitation Thunderstorms brought widespread 1-3” rainfall August 2 and 3. Additional rain August 4-6 totalled another 1-3” for mainly coastal areas. Two-week rainfall totals have been 100-200 percent of normal in Wilmington, Florence, and Myrtle Beach, but only 40 percent of normal in Lumberton, NC. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Most local river gauges show much-improved flows compared to two weeks ago. Some have returned to near normal stage and flow for this time of year. All-time low flow was still being observed on the Waccamaw River at Freeland, NC. Flow on the Lumber River at Boardman, NC, the Little Pee Dee River at Galivants Ferry, the Pee Dee River at Bucksport, and the Black River at Kingstree, SC was near the 25th percentile for this date. Agricultural Impacts Ongoing drought throughout the spring and summer severely impacted the development and maturation of corn and soybeans. It is likely too late in the season for rain to improve the situation for these crops. Sod and hay production has been significantly reduced by drought. Fire Hazard Impacts None Other Impacts Mandatory water conservation measures remain in effect for multiple water systems across Brunswick County, NC and in Loris, SC. Voluntary water conservation plans remain active in Georgetown, Florence, and Myrtle Beach, SC. The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington and the city of Whiteville continue to request voluntary water conservation. Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index remains below normal across portions of the coastal plain of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Monthly Outlooks for August indicate “equal chances” for below, near, or above rainfall totals. Temperature outlooks show a 40 percent chance of above normal temperatures through the month of August. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Recently updated seasonal outlooks through October now show improving drought conditions across much of eastern North and South Carolina. There is even a chance the drought may end entirely across small portions of coastal North Carolina.