Drought Watch: Half of North Carolina is now in extreme or exceptional drought, with nine counties still in exceptional conditions and officials warning that localized rain won’t refill reservoirs or groundwater fast enough. Heat & Storm Threat: A hot, humid Friday pushed temperatures to 100°F in parts of the state, with heat index values topping 105, while a line of severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds. Water Supply Pressure: Orange County leaders are monitoring exceptional drought impacts on local water sources and agriculture, even as some systems aren’t yet under restrictions. Wildfire Risk: Dry conditions helped spark multiple wildfires in Duplin County, including a 200-acre lightning-caused fire and a later 600-acre blaze that led to evacuations. Coastal & Marine Updates: UNCW researchers are investigating a rise in stranded bottlenose dolphins along the NC coast, with no single cause identified yet. Conservation Spotlight: The AZA’s SAFE program highlights red wolf and other species recovery efforts, funded in part by zoo ticket support. Energy Resilience: Duke Energy says it’s preparing for the next hurricane season with grid upgrades, including “self-healing” technology to restore power faster. Local Environment Governance: Blowing Rock will hold a public hearing on a Green Hill Road speed-limit reduction tied to long-running safety concerns. Coastal Heritage: The Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower off Cape Fear has been sold again, with the new owner expected to shift toward near-shore programs.