Eastern drought situation should see improvement by late November

by Jeff Ishee

Data source: National Weather Service

A new update from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center offers hope for farmers along the eastern seaboard. The region stretching from Pennsylvania to Florida is expected to see a complete removal of drought conditions. Other areas along the East Coast may see drought conditions persist, but improve over the next 90 days.

In the Southeast, North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia saw some of the most persistent impacts. Months of below‑average rainfall left soils hard and moisture‑starved, slowing crop growth and stressing pastures and livestock operations.

In North Carolina, severe drought remains widespread. As of August 18, 4% of the Tarheel State remained in "extreme" drought and 17% was in "severe" drought. In late August, however, water resources are starting to slowly improve.

Georgia has seen mixed conditions—some early‑summer rains offered brief relief, but long‑term deficits persist. Portions of the state remain in moderate drought, especially in the southeast, where dry soils and reduced streamflow continue to hinder forage and row‑crop production.

Many Virginia farmers reported lower hay yields, raising concerns about hay supplies this next winter.