Meteorologist Predicts Potential Relief from Extreme Drought in North Carolina
The Piedmont and High Country regions of North Carolina are currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, with rainfall levels significantly below average for the year. According to Andrew Kren, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the drought is largely due to a slower-than-normal transition away from a La Niña climate pattern, which typically suppresses rainfall and storm activity in the southeast. Kren forecasts a wetter end to May, with a 30 to 40% chance of above-normal rainfall, which could provide some relief. However, he cautions that without the arrival of a tropical system like El Niño, the drought is likely to persist into the summer. 
