Drought Expected to Worsen in Georgia

As Georgia starts its fifth year of drought, dry conditions are expected to worsen. The long-lead climate outlooks show an increased probability of below-normal rain and above-normal temperatures, the Georgia Green Industry Association reported.

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 National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center.

From May through October, Georgia soils generally lose moisture loss 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.

Flow rates on most rivers and creeks across the state remain very low.

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 author is Managing Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.