North Carolina Drought Conditions Now ‘Moderate’, Including Cumberland County

Last week the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council declared that much of North Carolina, including Cumberland County, are now facing "moderate drought conditions." The key factors behind the drought include the ongoing heatwave and recent lack of substantial rainfall in the Tar Heel State. That's even with the drenching we got on Monday.

According to the US Drought Monitor of North Carolina, 57 of NC's 100 counties are currently experiencing moderate drought conditions (category D1). This includes Cumberland County along with the neighboring Harnett, Sampson and Robeson counties as well.

Additionally, most of the remaining counties in North Carolina are experiencing "abnormally dry" conditions, which is the lowest ranked category on the drought monitor (category D0).

For the counties experiencing abnormally dry conditions, residents can expect little more than dry pastures and brown lawns. But for the majority of North Carolinians facing D1 drought conditions, the situation is slightly more elevated.

The effects of even just moderate drought conditions can take a heavy toll on the landscape. For instance, the dryness can present an issue with crop yields. The North Carolina Drought Update includes a report from the USDA which states that 55% of corn grown in NC is "in poor or very poor condition," and yield losses are "likely unavoidable."

The update also lists observable impacts of the flash drought throughout North Carolina, including dried up streams and ponds along with wilted crops, lawns and gardens. A moderate drought also brings about a higher risk of wildfires than normal throughout the season.

While a moderate drought certainly isn't ideal, especially in this brutal summer heat, it's entirely manageable so long as residents adhere to local water use guidelines and restrictions. Many counties in eastern NC have already implemented water usage restrictions this past week, and more counties are expected to follow suit.

Residents are encouraged to monitor and limit nonessential water use until drought conditions improve. It would also behoove residents to inspect their water system lines to make sure they're operating efficiently so no water is wasted.

You can find more info and tips to help you combat the drought conditions at www.ncdrought.org.

If the temperatures weren't hot enough on the field, Flo Rida certainly elevated things to cap off a wild 2024 4that the Fort celebration Saturday at Fort Liberty.

The hip hop star known for his hits like "Right Round," "My House," "Low," "Good Feeling," and "Club Can't Handle Me" was the final act on a big day (that ended with a late night).

The day started with the 82nd Rock Band performing in the afternoon heat, which reached temperatures into the mid-90s. That was followed by the always incredible Golden Knights parachute demonstration team.

And then one of the signature moments of the annual Independence Celebration on post, Don Chase and KC from the Big 95.7 KML emceed the Flag Ceremony. With the cannons firing off salutes for all 50 states, plus for every command and subordinate command unit on Fort Liberty, it's a memorable moment for everyone.

Award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae then got the headliner concerts going, with performances of their hits, including "Girl in a Country Song," and "Die From a Broken Heart."

Pop-rock group The Plain White T's had probably the moment of the day, with a big crowd belting out the massive hit song "Hey There Delilah." Lead singer Tom Higgenson also lamented on the heat, wondering if it was always like this down here.

And then after a mysterious late start, Flo Rida finally took the stage for his performance. The high-energy set featured all his hits, plus lots of interaction with the crowd, including a couple of journeys into the middle of the Parade Ground on the shoulders of one of his team members.

The night was capped off with a huge fireworks display - albeit a delayed one, to celebrate America.

The annual event put on by the Fort Liberty MWR team was held on Saturday, instead of on July 4 itself, so that military families could celebrate the long holiday weekend together.