Showers for Some Lucky Folks, But Drought Remains

Some areas in and around the Triangle saw rain Thursday, and the forecast calls for an even better chance of rain on Friday. But it wasn't enough to dampen a deepening drought.

DUALDoppler5000 radar showed rain showers Thursday in parts of Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Franklin, Vance and Granville counties.

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport reported 0.04 inches of rain as of 2 p.m. Rain was last reported there on Oct. 10, when 0.04 inches fell, and Oct. 5, when 0.13 inches were recorded.

Despite the showers, most of the state is still experiencing exceptional drought conditions that will only be cured by steady, soaking rains for many days, meteorologists say.

The latest report from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, issued Thursday, showed 71 of the state's 100 counties were in exceptional drought, the worst of five categories the state monitors. That was up from 56 counties last week.

The entire Triangle is included in the exceptional drought area.

The number of counties experiencing extreme drought conditions dropped from 30 to 18, but the only three counties that were listed in moderate drought a week ago – Carteret, Hyde and Pamlico – were added to the severe drought list.

The prospects for more rain will improve on Friday with the passing of a cold front.

The instability in the atmosphere will be the greatest Friday afternoon and early evening. The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma says the Triangle area has a slight risk for severe storms. The main threat would be strong winds.

Once the front passes, a cooler, drier air mass will be in place for Saturday.