UGA climatologist reports state is now entering mild drought

Most of Georgia is now entering a mild drought, according to Dr. David Stooksbury, state climatologist and professor of engineering and atmospheric sciences at the University of Georgia.

"The state has been teetering between abnormally dry conditions and a mild drought since the spring of 2006," he stated. "An abnormally dry winter has led to very dry soil, record to near-record low stream flows, low reservoir and farm pond levels, and dropping groundwater levels across most of Georgia."

Rainfall deficits since January 1 include:

.. Atlanta - 5.77 inches. .. Tifton - 5.62 inches. .. Alma - 4.96 inches. .. Plains - 4.88 inches. .. Macon - 4.75 inches. .. Columbus - 4.61 inches. .. Brunswick - 4.45 inches. .. Augusta - 3.60 inches. .. Savannah - 2.62 inches.

.. Athens - 2.14 inches.

"Soil moisture levels are the lowest in northwest and southeast Georgia," commented Dr. Stooksbury. "In fact, the driest soils are north and west of a line from Columbus to Griffin to Cumming to Blue Ridge. Only the lower Flint River Valley and the lower Savannah River Valley have near normal soil moisture for late March."

The climatologist predicted that the soil will continue to dry quickly, with little rain and temperatures in the 70s and 80s over the next several weeks. Moreover, "warm-season plants" are starting to grow which will make the soil lose moisture even faster.

"Stream flows statewide are abnormally low for late March as well," said Stooksbury. "The United States Geological Survey reports record low daily flows for the Flint River near Griffin, the Alcovy River above Covington, and the Middle Oconee near Athens.

"Most rivers and streams north and west of a line from Brunswick to Dublin to Lincolnton are at or below the tenth percentile for the date," he continued. "At the tenth percentile, we expect more water in the streams nine out of 10 years."

The good news is that most of the major lakes in the state are near the desired levels for late March. West Point Lake, Walter F. George Lake, Clark's Hill Lake, Allatoona, and Carter's are all at or slightly above the guidance level for this time of the year; whereas, Lake Lanier, Lake Hartwell, and Seminole are running .5 to 1.6 feet low for late March.

In conclusion, Dr. Stooksbury said, "There is little evidence that widespread and consistent rainfall will arrive in the foreseeable future. So we are expecting warm and dry conditions for April."

The entire state remains under the Level I outdoor water-use schedule. Under the Level I schedule, odd-numbered street addresses may use water outdoors from midnight to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Even-numbered addresses may use water outdoors during the hours listed above on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.