ATLANTA — Twenty-nine days. That's how long it's been since Atlanta has picked up measurable rainfall. And that number will continue growing before there's any chance of rain in the forecast.
October by the Numbers
If October ended today, Atlanta would finish with its driest October and driest calendar month ever on record with no rain observed!
Although our month of October stands out, our 29+ day-long dry streak doesn't take the top spot for Atlanta. The city's longest dry streak was 43 days long, spanning late October and much of November in 2016. If we make it to 30 consecutive days without rain in Atlanta, we'll break into the top 10 for longest dry streaks.
Longest dry streaks
This is not the first time we have had a long streak of dry weather. In November of 2016, we went 43 days without any rainfall. Prior to that, 1884 was the longest dry streak on record.
Fall Rainfall: Feast to Famine
This three-week dry spell follows an abnormally wet September. Although much of September was dry, the last week finished with a soaker, with 11.12" of rain for the city. The entire month totaled 12.29".
From a FEAST of rainfall, we've now come to a FAMINE with a lack of rainfall. Although cold fronts have pushed in this month, those have been moisture-starved and dry. The majority of the month has been dominated by areas of high pressure, such as acting like a guardian or gatekeeper and keeping moisture and rain chances at bay.
When will rain arrive?
There are promising signs that a little moisture may be enough to squeeze out some light showers and/or drizzle, but this is far from a definite "lock."
A cold front arrives Sunday, later sending a wedge of cool air to north Georgia. Models show that overrunning moisture may produce more clouds and spotty light showers or sprinkles Sunday.
Our confidence in measurable rain panning out is still overall low.
