Atlanta, Georgia, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta, Georgia is experiencing its driest September in 20 years, with only 0.16 inches of rain recorded. Over 77% of the state is classified as abnormally dry, impacting agriculture and raising fire risks. A cold front might bring rain later this week, providing some relief from the prolonged dry spell. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning as dry conditions pose a heightened fire risk.
Atlanta, Georgia is facing worsening drought conditions as minimal rainfall has been recorded this September, marking it as the 5th driest September on record and the driest in 20 years. Currently, over 77% of Georgia is classified as “abnormally dry,” with most of metro Atlanta experiencing a Level 1 ‘Moderate’ Drought. The lack of precipitation has lasted for 27 days, with Atlanta recording only 0.16 inches of rain.
As of this morning, calm weather is expected to continue across the Atlanta area, although wind gusts may reach up to 20 mph overnight under mostly clear skies. Morning temperatures are projected to drop into the 50s, making it the coolest night since May. In the northern Georgia mountains, some temperatures may dip into the upper 40s.
Forecasts indicate that rain chances are expected to increase next week due to a potential low-pressure system developing near Florida. Scattered showers could begin late Sunday and may last through Thursday, although widespread rain each day is not anticipated. Meanwhile, a cold front may arrive in Georgia late Wednesday, bringing the possibility of significant rainfall and severe storms, with central and north Georgia potentially seeing between half an inch to two inches of rain from Thursday through Friday.
Impact of Drought on Agriculture
The ongoing drought is particularly affecting local farmers, especially cotton and peanut growers, as harvest season approaches. Dry conditions have made it increasingly difficult to harvest peanuts due to hard, parched soils. Experts highlight that the Southeastern and Central U.S. are particularly vulnerable to “flash droughts,” which occur in conditions of low rainfall paired with high temperatures, leading to increased stress on crops. Higher temperatures enhance evapotranspiration, compounding the challenge that farmers face during this critical harvest period.
Weather Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts hotter and drier than normal conditions in Georgia through December. Although the Atlantic hurricane season is seeing activity, it remains uncertain whether this will bring any rain to the state. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning due to the heightened fire risk associated with the dry conditions.
Drought Overview
- Duration without substantial rain: 27 days
- September rainfall in Atlanta: 0.16 inches
- Percentage of Georgia classified abnormally dry: 77%
- Coolest night temperature: Low 50s
- Projected rain from Thursday through Friday: 0.5 to 2 inches
FAQ Section
What are the current drought conditions in Georgia?
Most of metro Atlanta is currently experiencing a Level 1 ‘Moderate’ Drought, with over 77% of Georgia classified as “abnormally dry.”
How much rain has fallen in Atlanta during September?
Atlanta recorded only 0.16 inches of rain in September, marking it as the 5th driest September on record and the driest in 20 years.
How long has Atlanta gone without significant rainfall?
Dry conditions have persisted for 27 days in Atlanta without more than a tenth of an inch of rain.
What are the expected weather conditions for next week?
Rain chances are expected to increase next week due to a potential low-pressure system developing near Florida, with scattered showers starting late Sunday and lasting through Thursday, although widespread rain each day is not anticipated.
What impact is the drought having on local farmers?
Cotton and peanut farmers are experiencing challenges due to the drought as harvest season approaches. Harvesting peanuts is particularly difficult due to hard, parched soils.
What should residents do during this drought?
Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning due to dry conditions and high fire risk.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Cold Front Bringing Much-Needed Rain to North Georgia
Atlanta Experiences Its Driest September in Two Decades
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Georgia Fall Concert Lineup: Stars Take the Stage
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Fire Risk Increases in Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Drought
- AJC: Flash Drought in Georgia
- Google Search: Impact of Drought on Agriculture
- WSBTV: Parts of Metro Atlanta Slip into Drought
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- Fox5 Atlanta: Heightened Wildfire Risk in Georgia
- Google News: Drought Conditions in Georgia
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.
