Atlanta, GA, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is grappling with intensified drought conditions as the U.S. Drought Monitor reports severe drought in various areas. With crucial rainfall expected, the ongoing crisis threatens agriculture and water supplies. Cooler air is moving in while residents prepare for a rainy weekend, which may alleviate drought stress. Pike County has implemented water restrictions, and concerns regarding the environmental impact are rising as approximately 18% of Georgia suffers from severe drought conditions.
Atlanta is currently facing intensified drought conditions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting moderate drought across areas stretching from Lake Lanier to the Alabama state line, including pockets of severe drought in Buckhead, Coweta, and Meriwether counties. The southwest quarter of metro Atlanta, covering counties such as Douglas, Fulton, Clayton, Henry, Spalding, and Coweta, is now officially classified under severe drought. This situation is alarming, particularly as southeast Georgia is experiencing extreme drought that could impact peanut harvest yields and water supply.
The current weather forecast for Atlanta indicates cooler air moving in overnight, bringing lows in the upper 50s and possibly 40s in higher elevations. As residents prepare for the weekend, a FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY has been declared for rain expected on Sunday, which is crucial for the state facing these ongoing drought conditions. Although rain has been scarce this fall, only 0.51 inches was recorded in October, over five inches below the normal rainfall for the year. Since September 1, metro Atlanta has only seen 0.21 inches of rain, which is merely 4% of the normal expected amount.
Looking ahead, the forecast for Sunday anticipates scattered showers and the possibility of a few rumbles of thunder, with rainfall expected to taper off in the late afternoon. This rain will be vital for alleviating drought stress and improving conditions not just in metro Atlanta, but also in surrounding areas. However, Pike County has already implemented water restrictions, limiting outdoor watering to just two days per week, indicating the seriousness of the water crisis.
As drought conditions persist, Danny Johnson, Managing Director of Natural Resources for the Atlanta Regional Commission, has indicated that while the water supply is being monitored, it is not severely compromised yet. However, the rapid onset of drought raises concerns about potential impacts on fall foliage, as dry conditions could cause quicker leaf change and earlier leaf drop, contributing to a reduced display of expected fall colors according to forester Casey Tudor. This drought has drawn comparisons to the severe drought from 2007 to 2009 which significantly affected Lake Lanier levels.
Currently, approximately 18% of Georgia is classified under severe drought conditions, which has led to elevated wildfire risks across the state. While the National Weather Service has reported no hazardous weather for tonight, the situation might worsen if dry weather continues into the coming weeks. The drought poses not only a threat to the environment but also risks affecting agriculture and water supplies across the state.
Key Weather Forecast
- Cooler air moving in overnight
- Lows in the upper 50s, potentially 40s in higher elevations
- FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY declared for rain on Sunday
- Expected rainfall includes scattered showers and rumbles of thunder
- Rain expected to taper off by late afternoon
Current Drought Conditions
- Moderate drought across areas from Lake Lanier to Alabama state line
- Severe drought in Buckhead, Coweta, and Meriwether counties
- Southeast Georgia facing extreme drought conditions
- Pike County has implemented watering restrictions
- Approximately 18% of Georgia under severe drought conditions
- Significant drop in rainfall since September 1
Impact on Environment and Agriculture
- Increased risk of wildfires
- Potential effects on fall foliage and leaf drop
- Concerns regarding peanut harvest yields in southeast Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current drought status in metro Atlanta?
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates moderate drought in areas stretching from Lake Lanier to the Alabama state line, with pockets of severe drought in Buckhead, Coweta, and Meriwether counties.
What is the expected weather for Sunday in metro Atlanta?
The forecast for Sunday includes scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder, with rain tapering off in the late afternoon.
How much rain has fallen in Atlanta this October?
Atlanta has recorded just 0.51 inches of rain in October, over five inches below normal for the year.
What percentage of Georgia is currently under severe drought conditions?
Approximately 18% of Georgia is currently under severe drought conditions, causing elevated wildfire risks across the state.
What measures are being taken to address the drought in Georgia?
Pike County has implemented water restrictions, limiting outdoor watering to two days per week.
Chart of Drought Conditions
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Rainfall in October (inches) | 0.51 |
| Total Rainfall Since September 1 (inches) | 0.21 |
| Percentage of Georgia Under Severe Drought | 18% |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Metro Atlanta Weather
- Wikipedia: Drought
- 11 Alive: Flash Drought Worsens in Metro Atlanta
- Google Search: Georgia drought 2025
- AJC: Metro Atlanta Enters Severe Drought
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
- WSB Radio: Moderate Drought Conditions Developing
- Google News: Atlanta drought impact
- Axios: Georgia’s Drought Threatens Cotton and Peanuts
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
