Is Greene County in a drought?
D2 Severe drought
Yes. All of Greene County is in drought on the Drought Monitor map of Sep 15, 2026, the worst of it severe drought (D2). That is unchanged from a week earlier. It has been in drought since the week of Sep 23, 2025.
Map valid Sep 15, 2026, released Thursday, Sep 17, 2026. The next map is due Thursday, Sep 24, 2026. Statewide, 62.6% of North Carolina is in drought.
This week’s map
The Drought Monitor for North Carolina, valid Sep 15, 2026. County lines are drawn in; the categories are the same as the national map.

- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Open the live map with the Drought Monitor
Map courtesy of the US Drought Monitor, NDMC-UNL, with USDA and NOAA. Original at droughtmonitor.unl.edu
This week's map, by category
Percent of Greene County in each category or worse, the Drought Monitor's own way of counting. In exactly one category this week: D0 0%, D1 0%, D2 100%, D3 0%, D4 0%; none 0%.
| Category | This weekSep 15 | Last weekSep 8 | 3 months agoJun 16 | A year agoSep 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0 to D4 Abnormally dry or worse | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| D1 to D4 Moderate or worse | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| D2 to D4 Severe or worse | 100% | 72.9% | 100% | 0% |
| D3 to D4 Extreme or worse | 0% | 0% | 98.5% | 0% |
| D4 Exceptional drought | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| None | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
The past year
Percent of Greene County in each category, week by week. Each color includes the worse categories drawn over it.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Every week in the chart
| Map | D0+ | D1+ | D2+ | D3+ | D4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 8, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 72.9% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 72.9% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 62.8% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 72.9% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 28, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 78.7% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 68.6% | 0% |
| Jul 14, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 68.6% | 0% |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 90.6% | 0% |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 67.2% | 0% |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 98.5% | 0% |
| Jun 16, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 98.5% | 0% |
| Jun 9, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 10.1% | 0% |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| May 26, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| May 19, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| May 12, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| May 5, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 7, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 21% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 21% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 21% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 21% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 17, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 3, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 27, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 6, 2026 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 100% | 12.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 23, 2025 | 100% | 12.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 100% | 12.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 100% | 12.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 7, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 100% | 4.1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 16, 2025 | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Since 2000
Every weekly map of Greene County since January 2000.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Year by year
| Year | Worst category | Most in drought | Week of | Weeks with drought |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 6 | 37 of 37 |
| 2025 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jan 7 | 33 of 52 |
| 2024 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jun 25 | 14 of 53 |
| 2023 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | Jan 17 | 6 of 52 |
| 2022 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jan 4 | 23 of 52 |
| 2021 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | May 25 | 12 of 52 |
| 2020 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2019 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 53 | |
| 2018 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2017 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2016 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2015 | D1 Moderate drought | 26.2% | Aug 18 | 7 of 52 |
| 2014 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2013 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 53 | |
| 2012 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | Feb 14 | 24 of 52 |
| 2011 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jun 7 | 23 of 52 |
| 2010 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | Jul 27 | 9 of 52 |
| 2009 | D1 Moderate drought | 80.9% | Feb 17 | 2 of 52 |
| 2008 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 1 | 39 of 53 |
| 2007 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | May 29 | 28 of 52 |
| 2006 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | Apr 18 | 4 of 52 |
| 2005 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2004 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2003 | None | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2002 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jan 1 | 41 of 53 |
| 2001 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Oct 30 | 15 of 52 |
| 2000 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 |
Drought history since 2000
Some part of Greene County was in drought on 23% of the weekly maps since Jan 4, 2000, and exceptional drought (D4) last reached the county the week of Feb 19, 2008.
- Weeks with some drought
- 317 of 1,394 (23%)
- Worst category reached
- D4 Exceptional drought, last the week of Feb 19, 2008
- Most widespread
- 100% in drought, week of Sep 15, 2026
- Longest spell
- 52 weeks, Sep 23, 2025 to Sep 15, 2026
- Current spell
- 52 weeks, since Sep 23, 2025
Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center's drought outlooks at the center of Greene County: whether drought is expected to develop, persist, improve or end.
- Monthly outlook, Sep 2026
- Drought persists
- Seasonal outlook, through December 31 (issued Sep 17)
- Drought remains but improves
The monthly outlook is issued on the last day of each month, the seasonal one on the third Thursday. CPC's discussion.
What drought has meant in North Carolina
The National Drought Mitigation Center's examples of impacts observed in North Carolina at each level of drought, starting with this week's worst here.
D2 Severe drought This week
- Dryland crop yields are low
- Swimming areas and boat ramps begin to close
- Voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions are implemented, people are asked to refrain from nonessential water use
- Wildfires are difficult to extinguish
D0 Abnormally dry
- Lawns are brown
- Pastures are dry; mild crop stress is noted; irrigation increases
D1 Moderate drought
- Crop stress increases
- Hay production is reduced; producers feed hay to cattle early
- Increased signs of wildlife; trees and landscape are drought stressed
- Streamflow is reduced; lake and reservoirs levels decline
- Voluntary water conservation begins
- Wildfire danger is higher than the seasonal normal
D3 Extreme drought
- Aquatic wildlife is dying; fewer trout are stocked
- Hay is scarce, producers are purchasing outside of state; nitrate levels in forage are high
- Hydropower generation decreases
- Landscaping and greenhouse businesses lose revenue
- Outdoor burn bans are implemented; wildfires are widespread
- Voluntary conservation is requested even in sufficient water level areas; mandatory restrictions become more severe and fines are given to violators; stream levels are extremely low
D4 Exceptional drought
- Daily life is affected for all citizens; people pray for rain; drought education seminars increase
- Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is widespread in deer
- Producers sell cattle; hay shortages and crop loss occur; farmers are stressed
- Reservoirs are low; officials are counting the days of remaining water supply; well water is low; residents are hauling water
Drawn from the Drought Impact Reporter and local observers.
Burn bans and water restrictions
The Drought Monitor does not issue burn bans or water restrictions. Greene County's officials, the state forestry or fire agency, and local water utilities set them, often once drought reaches D2 or dry fuels raise the fire danger. Check the county's emergency management office or fire marshal for a ban in force, and the alerts page for red flag warnings and fire weather watches.
This week in the Southeast
The Drought Monitor authors' narrative for the map of Sep 15, 2026, released Sep 17, 2026.
Central Virginia had moderate rainfall this past week, leading to some drought improvement. Most of the Carolinas into Georgia were warm and dry, however, resulting the regional degradation of drought conditions. Florida was generally wet and had drought improvement in small areas in the north, center, and south parts of the state. Meanwhile, Alabama continued to experience above normal temperatures and limited rainfall in the central to north, leading to large areas with drought degradation. There remain some areas of extreme drought in northern North Carolina, coastal South and North Carolina, and small areas in Florida.
Looking ahead
Over the next five days leading up to next Tuesday, above normal rainfall is forecast in south Florida as well as a large area in southern Wisconsin and Minnesota into eastern Iowa and northern Illinois. The latter area of forecasted rainfall continues to the east through central Michigan, the southern Great Lakes, Pennsylvania, New York, and much of central and southern New England. Other locations with rainfall in the forecast this week are in the Appalachian Mountains, the western Great Plains, and the Four Corners states. Unfortunately, most of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are forecast to receive little rainfall. Dry conditions are also forecast in California, Nevada, and Washington. Much above normal temperatures are forecast to continue this week in the central and southern U.S.
The 6- to 10-day outlook (September 22-26, 2026) favors above normal temperatures continuing over nearly all of the continental United States. Areas most likely to be above normal are again the south into the southeast, plus the far north. Hawaii is also likely to be above normal. For precipitation, the Eastern Seaboard is likely to have above normal rainfall as is the Southwest. The central U.S. into the upper Midwest is likely to have below normal rainfall. Hawaii and Alaska are both likely to have above normal rain during this period.
Written by Lindsay Johnson, National Drought Mitigation Center; David Mocko, SSAI, NASA/GSFC. The national narrative.
What this means
The five categories the Drought Monitor draws, and how the map is made.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- Going into or coming out of drought.
- D1 Moderate drought
- Some damage to crops and pastures; water shortages developing.
- D2 Severe drought
- Crop or pasture losses likely; water restrictions imposed.
- D3 Extreme drought
- Major crop and pasture losses; widespread water shortages.
- D4 Exceptional drought
- Exceptional and widespread losses; water emergencies.
The US Drought Monitor is drawn every week by authors at the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA, who weigh rainfall, soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater, vegetation health and reports from local observers. Each map shows conditions through Tuesday morning and is released on Thursday. It shows where drought is and how bad it is; it does not forecast it. CPC's outlooks do that.
Nearby
The counties bordering Greene County, with the worst category on this week's map.
Sources
Statistics and narrative from the US Drought Monitor, courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with USDA and NOAA. Outlooks from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Impacts from NDMC's State Impacts tool.