Local Update
Moderate Drought Reaches Richland and Lexington Counties
Moderate drought now covers almost all of Richland County and most of Lexington County, based on the U.S. Drought Monitor map for September 22, 2026.
Local Update
Moderate drought now covers almost all of Richland County and most of Lexington County, based on the U.S. Drought Monitor map for September 22, 2026.
Posted October 6, 2026. Sources last checked October 6, 2026.
The U.S. Drought Monitor publishes a weekly map and county numbers. This table shows the share of each county in moderate drought or worse.
| Map date | Richland County | Lexington County |
|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2026 | Under 1% | 0% |
| September 22, 2026 | 100% | 93.5% |
| September 29, 2026 | 99.8% | 93.5% |
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor county data, checked October 6, 2026. No part of either county was in severe drought or worse.
Both counties were listed as abnormally dry in every weekly map from August 25 on. That is the step before drought.
Drought.gov reports that 72.4% of South Carolina was in drought on September 29, a decrease of 5.4% from the week before. The Drought Monitor summary for the Southeast does not explain the change in the Midlands, so we will not guess at a cause.
NOAA climate records for the Columbia area show 1.54 inches of rain in September 2026. A normal September brings about 3.9 inches.
From September 1 to October 5, the area got 1.82 inches. A normal stretch brings about 4.6 inches. Rain on October 3 to 5 added only about 0.28 inches.
These numbers come from the NOAA regional climate data service. They may change as the records are checked.
A homeowner guide from the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) lists drought as one cause of uneven soil drying. It says uneven drying can lead to downward foundation movement.
That guide is written for soils that shrink and swell. Most red clay around Columbia shrinks and swells only a little, based on USDA soil survey data. Water, slopes, erosion, sand washing out, and trees often matter more here.
Soil changes from lot to lot. The soil survey lists the Enon soil in Lexington County as having higher shrink and swell. Sandy soils such as Lakeland are also common in that county and drain fast.
The ASCE guide also says tree roots next to a foundation can dry the soil and lead to downward movement. It suggests planting trees farther from the house than their full grown height.
These checks come from the ASCE guide. They are general steps, not an inspection.
If a crack grows or a door starts to stick, ask a licensed contractor or a structural engineer to look at the home. You can also request a free estimate. We will visit the home and explain what we see in plain words.
Learn more about foundation inspection and structural evaluation in Columbia, SC and basement waterproofing and drainage in Columbia, SC. You can also request a free estimate in Columbia, SC.
This post is general information. It is not an inspection, a diagnosis, or engineering advice.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map for September 29, 2026 lists nearly all of Richland County and about 93% of Lexington County in moderate drought. The map updates every week, so check the latest one.
The ASCE Geo-Institute guide says drought can dry soil unevenly and lead to downward foundation movement. Most local red clay shrinks and swells only a little, but soil varies by lot. We would need to see the home to say more.
Take a dated photo with a ruler next to the crack and check it again in a few weeks. If it grows or doors start to stick, request a free estimate. We will visit and explain what we see in plain words.
All sources were opened and checked on October 6, 2026.
If you want a real price for your home, call us. We will visit, explain what we see, and give you a written scope.
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