ATLANTA — Drought has expanded across the state in the last month, and severe drought conditions have now been introduced to portions of metro Atlanta.
This rapid onset of dry conditions is considered "flash drought" because of the abnormally warm temperatures and rainfall deficit. "Flash drought" occurs when an area experiences a two-category degradation over two consecutive weeks.
In the most recent drought monitor released Wednesday, July 3, all of our area is either abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Areas of severe drought exist in metro Atlanta and in Macon. Two weeks ago, we had just begun to see moderate drought be introduced in parts of the area.
It was a wet winter and spring in Atlanta. At the beginning of June, Georgia was completely drought-free.
Rainfall in the last month, however, has been sparse. Normal rain accumulation for the month of June is typically around 4.5 inches, and we picked up less than 2 inches. It was not the driest June on record by any means - in 1988, Atlanta saw only 0.16 inches the entire month.
Without significant rainfall of at least 1 inches - 2 inches, drought conditions are expected to intensify next week.
News happens fast. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app.
Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream now.