Tuesday, March 01, 2011

More Rain Needed

Monday evening's showers and thunderstorms some much needed rain to the region, but more is needed.


Here's a look rainfall from Monday -
  • Raleigh (NCSU): 1.10"
  • Fayetteville: 0.80"
  • Durham: 0.79"
  • Wilmington: 0.77"
  • Clayton: 0.75"
  • Rocky Mount-Wilson: 0.74"
  • Chapel Hill: 0.71"
  • Cherry Point: 0.65"
  • Jacksonville: 0.65"
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport: 0.62"
  • Goldsboro: 0.63"
  • Whiteville: 0.63"
  • Beaufort: 0.60"
  • Oak Island: 0.54"
  • Kure Beach: 0.47"

Even with Monday's rain, the rainfall deficit stands at 3.84" since January 1 and 4.50" since December 1 at the Raleigh-Durham Airport. As noted in the above drought map, coastal North Carolina is not currently experiencing drought conditions like central parts of the state. The rainfall deficit for Wilmington since January 1 now stands at just 1.02"

The recent dry conditions are concerning because the time period of October through April is critical to recharge water levels in lakes, rivers, and ground water. Ground water levels have been especially low in parts of central North Carolina.

Dry weather is in the forecast through the rest of the week. However, it appears rain will return Sunday. Amounts are still uncertain at this time, and is often the case heading into the spring months, we'll have to watch for strong storms. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the latest forecasts.

Lee Ringer
News 14 Carolina Meteorologist
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