Atlanta, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Metro Atlanta is facing severe drought conditions due to a significant lack of rainfall over the past several weeks. Key areas including Fayette, Coweta, Douglas, Clayton, and Meriwether are experiencing the worst of it, raising concerns for agriculture, particularly crops like cotton and peanuts. Rainfall predictions remain bleak, with hotter and drier weather patterns expected to persist into the coming weeks, further exacerbating the drought impacts across Georgia.
Atlanta
North and central Georgia are facing escalating drought conditions due to a significant lack of rainfall over the past six weeks. As of October 9, 2025, portions of metro Atlanta, including the counties of Fayette, Coweta, Douglas, Clayton, and Meriwether, are experiencing a “severe” drought.
According to the latest drought monitor, which is updated weekly, over 77% of Georgia is classified as “abnormally dry.” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has not received more than a quarter-inch of rain for nearly 50 days. Recent rainfall totals have been minimal, with only 0.05 inches recorded on October 5 and 0.10 inches on September 24.
Drought Impact and Historical Context
October is typically the driest month in Atlanta, with an average precipitation of just 3.28 inches. In September, however, Atlanta recorded a mere 0.16 inches of rain, making it the fifth driest September on record and the driest in two decades, compared to a typical September average of 3.82 inches. While some areas in north Georgia received several inches of rain during September, much of metro Atlanta entered October with a substantial rain deficit.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that certain parts of metro Atlanta are under a Level 1 ‘Moderate’ Drought while conditions are more severe in Columbus and southwestern Georgia. Weather forecasts provide little relief, reporting an increase in moisture levels starting Sunday but expecting rainfall amounts to vary between less than 0.1 inches to as much as 3 inches in southeastern Georgia.
Effects on Agriculture and Future Outlook
The warm September temperatures exacerbated evapotranspiration, leading to a significant loss of soil moisture and further worsening the drought situation. Flash droughts, characterized by rapid soil moisture decline due to limited precipitation and high temperatures, are impacting farmers across Georgia. Concerns are growing as cotton, deemed Georgia’s second most valuable crop, is suffering, particularly later plantings that require more water.
Pear farmers are also facing difficulties, as hard, dry soils hinder the harvesting of crops. Despite the forecast suggesting a cold front that may bring some rainfall by late Wednesday, with predictions of 0.5 to 2 inches from Thursday to Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that hotter and drier weather patterns will likely continue through December. Without significant rainfall—estimated at 1-2 inches weekly—the drought conditions are expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
Summary of Current Conditions
- Severe Drought Areas: Parts of metro Atlanta, including Fayette, Coweta, Douglas, Clayton, and Meriwether.
- Abnormally Dry Regions: More than 77% of Georgia is classified as “abnormally dry.”
- Rainfall Statistics: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has not recorded more than a quarter-inch of rain for almost 50 days.
- Impact on Agriculture: Cotton and peanut crops are suffering due to dry conditions.
- Future Forecast: Little hope for significant rainfall; expectations of hotter, drier conditions through December.
FAQ
What areas in Georgia are currently experiencing severe drought conditions?
Parts of metro Atlanta, including Fayette, Coweta, Douglas, Clayton, and Meriwether.
What percentage of Georgia is classified as abnormally dry?
More than 77% of Georgia is classified as “abnormally dry.”
How long has it been since Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recorded significant rainfall?
It has been almost 50 days since Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recorded more than a quarter-inch of rain.
What impact is the drought having on agriculture in Georgia?
Cotton and peanut crops are suffering due to dry conditions.
What are the future rainfall forecasts for Georgia?
Forecasts indicate a cold front may bring some rain by late Wednesday; however, hotter and drier conditions are expected to persist through December.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Drought Condition Level | Severe Drought in parts of metro Atlanta |
| Percentage of Georgia Abnormally Dry | Over 77% |
| Days Without Significant Rain | Nearly 50 days |
| September Rainfall Total | 0.16 inches |
| Impact on Crops | Cotton and peanuts |
| Future Rain Predictions | Potential 0.5 to 2 inches late Wednesday to Friday |
