ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A week of rainfall has sparked an improvement in Western North Carolina’s drought conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, the rain total for the month in Asheville was 8.99 inches (through Sunday morning) and 11.15 inches since June 1, bringing the total for the year to 34.92.
The North Carolina Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows no drought conditions in the east and northeast parts of the state and abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions in the western portion of the state. Only a few areas are still showing severe drought conditions — Columbus, Yadkin, Stokes and Forsyth counties.
While Buncombe is now listed as abnormally dry, far western counties are listed as being in a moderate drought.
Rain and storms are expected to continue next week, which should help improve drought conditions even more.
The forecast, according to the National Weather Service:
- Monday: High near 84 with a 70 percent chance of rain.
- Monday night: Lows near 66 with a 40 percent chance of rain.
- Tuesday: Highs near 84 with an 80 percent chance of rain.
- Tuesday night: Lows around 67 with a 60 percent chance of rain.
- Wednesday: Highs near 88 with a 60 percent chance of rain.
- Wednesday night: Lows around 67 with a 30 percent chance of rain.
- Thursday: Highs near 92 with a 30 percent chance of rain.
- Thursday night: Lows around 68 with a 30 percent chance of rain.
- Friday: Highs near 93 with a 30 percent chance of rain.
- Friday night: Lows near 68 with a 40 percent chance of rain.