Atlanta just had its fourth driest August on record, and the impact is clear across North Georgia. As rain continues to evade the region, drought conditions are spreading, affecting local communities, agriculture, and water resources.
🌞 Why It Matters: Drought impacts everything from water supply to farming. For residents and farmers alike, the longer this dry spell continues, the more pressure it places on daily life and the local economy.
💧 What’s Happening: The latest drought monitor shows that all of North Georgia is now classified as at least “abnormally dry.” Areas of “moderate” drought are expanding, especially in the mountains and to the southwest of the Atlanta metro.
- 64% of the state is now experiencing drought, with the most severe areas located in far northwest Georgia and west of Albany.
🚶♂️ Between the Lines: Georgia’s drought status has fluctuated dramatically in recent months. Despite a wet start to the year, drought conditions have crept back in quickly, raising concerns for the coming months.
- In July, Atlanta saw its fourth wettest July on record, which provided temporary relief, but less than an inch of rain in August has erased those gains.
☔ Catch Up Quick: After a wet winter and spring, Georgia was drought-free at the end of May. Fast forward to August, and 96% of the state was facing some form of drought.
📅 The Big Picture: The dry conditions highlight the unpredictable nature of Georgia’s weather patterns, which have swung wildly from wet to dry in just a few months. Looking ahead, while rain is expected by the end of this week, it’s unlikely to reverse the worsening drought conditions. For many, the coming months could mean stricter water restrictions and a greater strain on agriculture, all in the context of a state that has seen dramatic shifts in weather patterns.