Despite stormy weather, the state climatologist said the drought in Lincoln County has worsened from severe, a once-in-20-years drought, to extreme, the kind of drought seen once every 50 years.

The recent rain has been just a drop in the bucket. The county is a long way from a significant groundwater recharge.

Nevertheless, Lincoln County is not in as bad a drought as many counties.

According to Dr. David Stooksbury, state climatologist, the most recent reports indicate that of Georgia's 159 counties, drought conditions were classified as exceptional in 70, extreme in 40, and severe in 15.

Drought conditions are expected to be exceptional about once in 100 years, the scientist said. The classifications are based on many indicators including rainfall, soil moisture, stream flows, groundwater levels, and reservoir levels.

The conditions in Lincoln County have changed dramatically from June to August, as they have throughout the state. In late June, no counties were in exceptional drought, but conditions were extreme in 104 counties and severe in 38. By early August, drought conditions were exceptional in 30 counties, extreme in 55, severe in 16, moderate in 21, and mild in 10, with eight abnormally dry.

"Even if normal rainfall resumed now, it would take a year to recover from the present 50-year drought," said Pam Norman, assistant state climatologist. "If the rain continues, things will improve, but it won't make a significant impact on the drought."

For updated drought information, visit the following website: www.georgiadrought.org.