By David Emory Stooksbury
State
Climatologist
Mild drought conditions have returned to Georgia. An unusually
dry period from October 2003 through March 2004 has led to dry
soils and low stream flows across the state.
In the cool season, October through March, normal rainfall is
able to recharge soil moisture, streams, groundwater, lakes and
reservoirs.
Because of the dry cool season, the soil moisture hasn’t been
adequately recharged. This is causing low stream flows and
dropping water tables across the state.
Dry soil
Low soil moisture is most critical south of the north Georgia
mountains and north of an Albany-to-Macon-to-Lincolnton line. In
this region, soil moisture is lower than we would expect in late
April in 19 out of 20 years.
Soil moisture in the mountains and along the coast are at a level
we would expect in one of five years in late April.
United States Geological Survey stream gauges are showing
extremely low flows across the southern three-fourths of the
state. Several places have stream flows that are 25 to 50 percent
of normal for late April.
Based on USGS data, groundwater levels were showing good recharge
in February 2004. However, with record to near-record dryness in
March through mid-April, groundwater levels are beginning to drop.
Recharge season
The normal recharge season for groundwater is over. So
groundwater levels are expected to keep dropping through summer
into fall.
Because of abundant rainfall from September 2002 through June
2003, the state’s major reservoirs are in good shape. However,
smaller lakes and farm ponds are beginning to show mild drought
impacts. Reservoir levels will begin to drop, too, without
adequate rainfall soon.
Through the end of February, the state moisture conditions were
in relatively good shape, thanks to a wet early 2003. After the
dry March through mid-April, though, conditions are drying fast.
There is little hope for short-term recovery. Widespread
significant rains don’t seem likely until at least the weekend.
Conserve water
Now that we’ve entered late April, soil moisture loss through
evaporation and transpiration (plant water use) is normally
greater than rainfall. So even with normal rainfall, the soils
will keep drying out through early October.
At least mild drought conditions are expected to continue through
summer, so take extra measures to conserve water. Water
conservation suggestions are available from your local UGA
Extension Service office or local water utility.
Comprehensive updated drought information may be found at
Real-time weather conditions, including soil moisture balance,
may be found at
(David Emory Stooksbury is the state climatologist and a
professor of engineering and atmospheric sciences in the
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences.)
