MACON, Ga. – A potential developing drought is emerging in the Southeast, including Georgia, due to a combination of ongoing dryness, above-normal temperatures, and limited expected precipitation over the next two weeks.
The Climate Prediction Center highlights a Rapid Onset Drought (ROD) risk for Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, supported by 30- to 60-day precipitation deficits and forecasts of continued hot and dry weather.
What is a Rapid Onset Drought? A Rapid Onset Drought, often referred to as a “flash drought,” is a type of drought that develops quickly over a short period—typically within just a few weeks.
Unlike traditional droughts that build gradually over months or even years, rapid onset droughts are driven by a sudden and sustained lack of rainfall combined with unusually high temperatures, low humidity, and increased evaporation rates.
These conditions rapidly deplete soil moisture, stress vegetation, and reduce water availability. Because they can develop so quickly, flash droughts are particularly dangerous for agriculture, ecosystems, and water management, often catching communities off guard and leaving little time to prepare or respond.
From September 19th to 25th, high pressure aloft is expected to control much of the weather across the Central and Eastern U.S., leading to higher temperatures, especially across northwestern Georgia. Forecast models suggest at least a chance of temperatures potentially reaching the mid to upper 90s.
While some areas along the Southeast coast, including parts of Florida, may see heavy precipitation from a stalled frontal boundary, much of inland Georgia remains at risk of intensifying dryness. The current vegetation conditions, combined with hot, dry weather, also raise the threat of wildfires. Overall, unless significant rainfall occurs soon, drought conditions in Georgia are likely to intensify and expand.