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August rainfall was near normal when averaged across the state. However, amounts varied considerably across the state with western North Carolina experiencing severe short-term drought. Long-term moisture deficits were severe in most areas, with the state having the driest September-August on record in 2002 (see table below).
According to media reports,
- the drought could result in a 20 to 30 percent drop in the number of cattle in the state as farmers face increasing feeding and watering costs. The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was quoted as saying: "We've never seen it this dry. We have creeks that have dried up that have never been dry." (Asheville Citizen-Times, 8/25)
- The city of Charlotte, NC imposed water use restrictions on August 21, only the second time in city history that mandatory restrictions have been imposed. With the order, Charlotte joined Raleigh, Greensboro and more than 70 other cities across North Carolina that penalize water wasters. (Charlotte Observer, 8/20)
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NCDC /
Clim. Monitoring /
Climate-2002 /
Aug /
U.S. Regional Drought /
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