By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A hot and dry start to the year is something central North Carolina has been stuck in for months, and there’s little sign of breaking free anytime soon. Drought conditions that began developing at the end of 2025 have now stretched into the end of June, creating one of the driest starts to a year in recent memory.
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CBS 17 storm team meteorologist Ross Whitley and chief meteorologist Wes Hohenstein break down what’s driving the drought, how much rain it would actually take to make a dent, and why meaningful runoff into creeks, rivers, and reservoirs is much harder to achieve than many realize.
As summer officially begins with the Summer Solstice, the weather pattern across central North Carolina is settling into its familiar rhythm: heat, humidity, and scattered storms. While July is typically one of the wettest months of the year, it’s also one of the hottest, as the same atmospheric setup that fuels afternoon thunderstorms also traps in the heat and moisture.
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This episode takes a closer look at what “normal” summer weather really means in central North Carolina — from average highs and rainfall totals to why this year’s start has been anything but average. They compare the region’s hotter-than-normal and drier-than-normal trends so far, and explain why even a few rounds of summer storms may not be enough to erase the rainfall deficit.
Plus, Ross and Wes tackle one question you may have never thought about: has the water in your glass been used before? The answer might make you think twice before your next sip.
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