As Georgia starts its fifth year of drought, dry conditions are
expected to worsen. The long-lead climate outlooks for May are
for an increased probability of below-normal rain and
above-normal temperatures.
The summer (June through August) outlooks for Georgia are for an
increased probability of above-normal temperatures across the
entire state. The rainfall outlook is for equal chances of
below-normal, near-normal and above-normal rain statewide.
The long-lead climate outlooks are from the
Center.
Likely to Get Drier>
From May through October, Georgia soils generally lose moisture
due to evaporation and transpiration (plant water use). So even
with normal temperatures and rainfall, the soils in Georgia
become drier from late spring through early fall.
With early indications that the summer will be hotter than
normal, soil-moisture loss due to evaporation and transpiration
may be greater than normal. This increase in soil-moisture loss
will tend to increase the drought’s severity.
Groundwater levels in south Georgia are of special concern. Most
U.S. Geological Survey observation wells are at midsummer levels
already.
South Georgia didn’t get enough rain during the winter recharge
period to replenish groundwater supplies. With levels this low in
late April, dry wells may become a problem later in the summer.
Stream Flow Levels Low>
Flow rates on most rivers and creeks across the state remain very
low. The low flows in coastal Georgia aren’t good news for the
shrimping and crabbing industries. The low stream flows in
southeast Georgia are associated with lower white shrimp and blue
crab landings.
The outlook for breaking the drought is not promising. Even with
normal weather, the soils across the state will continue to lose
moisture, and stream and reservoir levels will continue to drop.
Watering bans will likely remain in place and may become more
restrictive as the summer heat intensifies.
The University of Georgia will have daily updated drought
information at
Daily updated weather data is available from UGA Engineering’s
Georgia Environmental Monitoring Network at
