North Carolina's drought is worsening. Parts of the Triangle are now in an exceptional drought, and Durham has announced that Stage 2 water restrictions will begin next week.

Exceptional drought status

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There's been no rain at Raleigh-Durham International Airport since May 25. Areas north and west of Raleigh are now in "exceptional drought," the highest category. This includes Oxford, Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill and northern Wake County, including Morrisville.

"It's still the driest year on record," WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said. "We've had 16 days in a row with no measurable rain at RDU."

According to Wilmoth, the last time part of the Triangle was in an exceptional drought was during the 2007-2008 drought.

This drought is expected to last months. There are no measurable rain chances in sight, although we do have a chance for scattered storms on Friday.

Durham to impose Stage 2 water restrictions 

The city of Durham has announced Stage 2 water restrictions will go into effect on Monday, June 15, which mainly impact outdoor water use -- lawns, pools, vehicles, etc. Here's a list of what that means.

What is allowed in Durham

  • Hand watering: Drip irrigation, hand watering, and tree or shrub watering bags are still allowed.
    • There are no household restrictions for residents using water for cooking, bathing, drinking, etc.

      What isn't allowed in Durham

      • There are no watering days under Stage 2. Spraying or in-ground irrigation of landscapes with city water is not allowed (you can still use your hose by hand).
        • Decorative fountains and ponds: Don't add water unless the water is recycled.
          • Pools: Add water only to replace evaporation or spillage and to keep chemical feeders running.
            • No washing cars unless at a commercial car wash
              • No washing hard surfaces: Don't use city water to clean sidewalks, driveways, decks, or building exteriors, except for a health or safety issue, or before painting.

                Water restrictions in Raleigh, other places

                Water restrictions are in effect in Raleigh and several other municipalities until further notice.

                The city of Raleigh's water restrictions are still in Stage 1, meaning the supply of drinking water is strong, but residents will be asked to limit how they use sprinklers and outdoor watering.

                Raleigh's Stage 1 water restrictions impact outdoor watering and landscaping. Here's what to know:

                • Automatic and non-automatic spray irrigation is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m. Homes with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays. Homes with even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays. 
                  • Irrigation of landscapes is recommended at a maximum of one-half inch per week. 
                    • Water customers must abide by required water use reductions and efficiency measures; penalties apply for noncompliance. 

                      Raleigh Water assistant director Ed Buchan said Raleigh water officials are increasing enforcement efforts. This includes using field operation staff, which increases the existing code enforcement staff.

                      Since April 20, officials have issued 244 educational letters, 10 official warnings and recorded 355 violations of water use rules. 

                      For full Stage 1 water-use restrictions, visit RaleighNC.gov and search “drought.”  

                      Johnston County is also launching a water conservation initiative, with residents being asked to reduce their water usage drastically. Households with odd-numbered addresses are permitted to use sprinklers only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while even-numbered homes can water their lawns on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All sprinkling is prohibited on Mondays.