Severe drought expands sharply in Durham County

September 24, 2026

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Severe drought coverage in Durham County increased to 48.22% by the week of September 22-28, 2026, a threefold jump from 15.50% the previous week.¹ Combined with temperatures 6.8°F above normal and precipitation 1.1 inches below normal month-to-date through September 23, this escalating water deficit intensifies plant stress across the ecosystem.²

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