July 14, 2026

Drought = HOT: The science explained

Drought = HOT: The science explained
Drought = HOT: The science explained
WRAL Daily Download
Drought = HOT: The science explained

If it feels like this summer has been especially brutal, you're not imagining it. While the lack of rainfall is an obvious part of North Carolina's ongoing drought, there's another side effect that many people don't realize. Drought conditions can make hot weather even hotter.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell and Grace Holland explain.