Abnormally low precipitation totals during December 2021, combined with unusually warm average temperatures (6F-8F degree above normal) through the month across the Piedmont and foothills of northern North Carolina, allowed Severe Drought conditions (D2 per the U.S. Drought Monitor classifications for drought severity) to persist since its onset in late November. While not as dry as November, less than half of the normal monthly precipitation for December fell across this region, cementing the dryness that was already in place during much of autumn. Streamflows and soil moisture continued to range from below-normal to well below-normal for early winter. Agricultural concerns were minimal due to winter dormancy, however slow/poor growth of cover crops, which are meant to reduce soil erosion, were noted, as well as to winter wheat. Conversely, some farmers welcomed the dryness as it allowed them to work in their fields without contending with mud. Concerns for increased wildfire activity were present, burn bans already in place at the start of the month for the entire state of North Carolina.

Wildfire in STOKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 01-DEC-21 00:00:00 to 03-DEC-21 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 364.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

As of December 4th, 2021, the cost of containing the Grindstone Fire on Pilot Mountain has increased to at least $364,000 dollars and has burned an estimated 1050 acres of state park land.  The fire is now 100% contained.  The fire was caused by a campfire that escaped containment during unusually dry conditions and high winds favorable for allowing the fire to quickly spread.

Drought in YADKIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 01-DEC-21 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Severe Drought conditions were declared for the southwestern corner of Yadkin County on December 7th after another month of precipitation that was significantly below normal. NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated that average soil moisture in the top 100 cm soil at the start of the month was between the 10th and 5th percentiles, an indicator of severe dryness, and only decreased below the 2nd percentile by the end of the month. Local streamflows remained below normal through the month per the USGS WaterWatch website. A burn ban, implemented state-wide for North Carolina in late November, remained in effect for Yadkin County through December 13th when widespread precipitation helped to reduce the wildland fire threat. There were no wildland fires reported in the county.

Drought in CASWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 01-DEC-21 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Severe Drought conditions declared for the northern half of Caswell County at the end of November persisted through December after another month of precipitation that was significantly below normal. The Cooperative Weather Observer (COOP) at Yanceyville 4 SE (YAVN7) measured 1.65 inches of precipitation for the month, about 43 percent of the normal amount of 3.81 inches. NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated that average soil moisture in the top 100 cm soil at the start of the month was between the 10th and 5th percentiles, an indicator of severe dryness, and only decreased below the 2nd percentile by the end of the month. Local streamflows remained below normal through the month per the USGS WaterWatch website. There were few impacts to agriculture and livestock given the late time of the year, affecting both winter wheat as well as cover crops designed to reduce soil erosion with only miniscule growth. It is not known if the poor growth resulted in a financial impact. A burn ban, implemented state-wide in late November, remained in effect for Caswell County through December 13th when widespread precipitation helped to reduce the wildland fire threat. There were no wildland fires reported in the county.

Drought in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 01-DEC-21 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Severe Drought conditions were declared for the southeastern corner of Wilkes County on December 7th after another month of precipitation that was significantly below normal. NASA SPoRT LIS data estimated that average soil moisture in the top 100 cm soil at the start of the month was between the 5th and 2nd percentiles, an indicator of severe dryness, and only decreased below the 2nd percentile by the end of the month. Local streamflows remained below normal through the month per the USGS WaterWatch website. A burn ban, implemented state-wide for North Carolina in late November, remained in effect for Wilkes County through December 13th when widespread precipitation helped to reduce the wildland fire threat. There were no wildland fires reported in the county.