A lack of meaningful winter and spring rainfall, worsened by record heat fueled by climate change, has led to many states dealing with “severe to extreme drought,” increasing wildfire risks, and warranting water restrictions for some areas for the first time in decades.

Meteorologist Shel Winkley from Climate Central explains

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

Tonight on the Carolina Weather Group, we are tracking active storms across the Carolinas while facing a persistent and extreme drought.

⚡ SHOCKING LIGHTNING FOOTAGE

Storm chaser Dan Whitaker joins the panel to share incredible 4K slow-motion video of a lightning bolt striking the pavement just feet in front of his vehicle during a recent chase in Oklahoma. Dan describes the physical impact of the strike, including flying debris and "lightning beads," and explains how the intense flash affected his vision for hours.

🌀 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

With hurricane season less than a month away, we welcome Bob Bright, Lead Meteorologist at the NWS Wilmington, to discuss Hurricane Preparedness Week. We dive into: The potential impact of a developing strong El Niño on Atlantic wind shear. Current sea surface temperature trends in the Atlantic and Gulf. Resources for residents in North and South Carolina to prepare now.

🌦️ CAROLINAS FORECAST & DROUGHT UPDATE

The panel tracks a "three-punch" storm system moving through the region. While we welcome the rain to combat D3 Extreme and D4 Exceptional drought conditions, we also monitor a marginal severe weather risk for the coast. Plus, a look ahead to Mother's Day weekend!.

🕊️ REMEMBERING TED TURNER

Host James Brierton shares a personal reflection on the passing of media pioneer Ted Turner, discussing his massive impact on the news landscape and his history with Charlotte’s own WCNC

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00:00 - Intro & Dan Whitaker’s Lightning Chase

02:57 - Hurricane Prep with Bob Bright (NWS Wilmington)

06:21 - El Niño & Seasonal Hurricane Outlook

11:56 - Hurricanes 101 Webinar Info

16:34 - Carolinas Radar & Severe Weather Rounds

20:51 - Drought Monitor Update: Extreme Conditions

26:24 - Dan Whitaker’s Close-Call Lightning Video

37:40 - Last Week’s Supercell & MPing Reports

45:33 - Seven-Day Forecast & Mother’s Day Outlook

62:34 - Tribute to Ted Turner

The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

Thousands of acres are burning across the Southeast as dry weather persists.

Without rain, new fires are burning in North Carolina and South Carolina. Low humidity and gusty winds are making it easy for fires to start and spread.

A look at your forecast shows some rain is finally on the way, but with such a deficit, the drought conditions will continue. That's why some cities and counties have already begun drought restrictions

In this episode of the Carolina Weather Group, we sit down with Corey Davis from the NC State Climate Office and our panel of experts to discuss the "angry bear" of a drought that has been building since last fall. With parts of North Carolina nearly 17 inches below normal rainfall, we are seeing record-breaking dryness that hasn't been felt in some areas since 1911.

In this update, we cover:

Active Wildfires: Latest updates on the County Line Fire (Avery/Mitchell County), the 30,000-acre Pineland Road Fire in Georgia, and fires impacting Myrtle Beach and the Midlands.

Record Drought: Why April 2026 is on track to be one of the driest on record for Charlotte and Raleigh.

Water Restrictions: How local municipalities like Monroe and Charlotte are reacting to falling lake and streamflow levels.

The Helene Factor: How downed timber from Helene continues to fuel wildfires in the mountains 18 months later.

The Forecast: Meteorologist Frank Strait breaks down when (and if) we will see enough rain to "stop the bleeding".

A Beacon of Hope: We also discuss a major infrastructure milestone—the first Norfolk Southern train returning to Asheville from the east since Helene. Joseph Navin reports.

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.