Pasquotank County back in severe drought as northeastern NC dries out

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council's latest assessment shows Pasquotank County is once again classified in severe drought, along with Dare, Currituck, Camden, Perquimans, Chowan, and Gates counties, according to the Island Free Press.

This marks a reversal from late July when Pasquotank and other northeastern counties had emerged from nearly a yearlong drought, following heavy rains in July that replenished soils and streams, the N.C. State Climate Office reported.

The drought classifications are based on conditions through November 3 and reflect the highest drought category covering at least 25% of a county's land area, meaning some variation exists within counties.

Nearby Hertford and Bertie counties are experiencing extreme drought, while counties such as Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington are in moderate drought, indicating a broad worsening pattern across northeastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks.

The return to drought conditions follows a period of improvement during late summer, highlighting ongoing challenges with dry weather in the region.