Abnormally low precipitation totals during December 2021, combined with unusually warm average temperatures (6F-8F degree above normal) through the month, allowed Severe Drought conditions (D2 per the U.S. Drought Monitor classifications for drought severity) to persist across the southern Piedmont of Virginia since its onset in late November.  While not as dry as November, less than half of the normal monthly precipitation for December fell across portions of Halifax, Charlotte and Pittsylvania Counties, 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.  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.

Drought in CHARLOTTE, VIRGINIA
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 southern half of Charlotte County at the end of November persisted through December after another month of precipitation that was significantly below normal. The CoCoRaHS observer at Saxe 4.3 SE (VA-CH-1) measured 1.17 inches of precipitation for the month, about 30 percent of the normal amount. 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. County streamflows remained below normal through the month per the USGS WaterWatch website. There were no reported impacts to agriculture and livestock given the late time of the year. A burn ban was put into effect for the county on December 2nd, and lifted December 20th after a widespread rainfall event. There were no wildland fires reported within the county.

Drought in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
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 extreme southeastern portion of Pittsylvania County at the end of November persisted through December after another month of precipitation that was significantly below normal. The ASOS at the Danville Regional Airport (DAN) measured only 0.65 inches of precipitation for the month, or only about 21 percent of the normal amount of 3.06 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, including the Dan River at Danville (DVLV2), 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 cover crops designed to reduce soil erosion with only miniscule growth. It is not known if this resulted in a financial impact as cover crops are not harvested. A burn ban, implemented in late November, remained in effect for the county and the City of Danville for the entire month, however there were no wildland fires reported.

Drought in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
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 southern half of Halifax 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 South Boston (SOBV2) measured 1.16 inches of precipitation for the month, about 32 percent of the normal amount of 3.58 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, including the Dan River at both Paces (PCEV2) and South Boston (SBNV2), as well as the Banister River at Halifax (HALV2), 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 cover crops designed to reduce soil erosion with only miniscule growth. It is not known if this resulted in a financial impact as cover crops are not harvested. A burn ban, implemented in late November, remained in effect for the county for the entire month, however there were no wildland fires reported.