PUBLISHED 11:15 AM ET May. 27, 2021 PUBLISHED 11:15 AM EDT May. 27, 2021 SHARE What You Need To Know Moderate drought conditions expanded into more of eastern and central North Carolina this week Farmers report the dry spring is already affecting their tobacco and vegetable crop in the state Brunswick County and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority have advised residents in southeastern North Carolina to conserve water There is a burn ban for 26 counties in Southeastern North Carolina and the Sandhills This week's updated drought monitor shows a much larger area of moderate drought in central and eastern parts of the state compared to just one week ago.