Drought Information Statement for Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC Valid August 27, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Wilmington, NC Contact Information: ilm.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated September 4, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. SEVERE TO EXTREME DROUGHT PERSISTS OVER MOST OF THE AREA EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT CONTINUES ACROSS A SMALL SECTION OF WESTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTY THE DROUGHT HAS ENDED OVER EASTERN PENDER AND NORTHEASTERN NEW HANOVER COUNTIES U.S. Drought Monitor D4 (Exceptional Drought): A small portion of western Brunswick County D3 (Extreme Drought):Horry, northern Georgetown, northeastern Williamsburg, southern Marion, and western Brunswick counties D2 (Severe Drought): Bladen, Columbus, Dillon, Florence, Williamsburg, southern Robeson, southern Georgetown, eastern Darlington, and southern Marlboro counties D1 (Moderate Drought): Northern Robeson, western Pender, northern Marlboro, and western Darlington counties D0: (Abnormally Dry): central Pender, eastern Brunswick, southern New Hanover counties Precipitation Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rain on Aug 16, 17, and 23. Particularly heavy rain fell on Aug 22 when flash flooding occurred in Wilmington. Two-week rainfall totals have been 100-250 percent of normal, except around North Myrtle Beach where recent rainfall has been two-thirds of normal. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Stage and flow on most local rivers remain below normal. On the Lynches River at Effingham, SC; the Little Pee Dee River at Galivants Ferry, SC; and the Lumber River at Boardman, NC flows are near the 10th percentile for late August. Flows on the Lumber River at Lumberton, NC; the Waccamaw River at Freeland and Longs, SC; the Black River at Kingstree, SC; and the Pee Dee River at Peedee, SC are near the 25th percentile. Agricultural Impacts Drought throughout the spring and summer severely impacted the development and maturation of corn and soybeans. It is too late in the season for rain to improve the situation for these crops. USDA data shows only 24 percent of North Carolina’s corn was rated “good” or “excellent.” Sod and hay production has been significantly reduced by drought. Fire Hazard Impacts None Other Impacts Mandatory water conservation measures remain in effect for water systems across Brunswick County, NC and in Loris, SC. Voluntary water conservation plans remain active in Whiteville, NC; and Georgetown and Florence, SC. Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index has improved significantly over the past few weeks and shows upper soil moisture returning to near normal. The Georgetown, SC vicinity remains drier than normal. Long-Range Outlooks Monthly Outlooks for September indicate “equal chances” for below, near, or above rainfall totals. Temperature outlooks show a 40-50 percent chance of above normal temperatures through the month of September. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Recently updated seasonal outlooks through November show improving drought conditions are expected across much of eastern North and South Carolina.