Its intensity hasn’t changed but the amount of Georgia now considered under drought conditions expanded again over the past seven days, taking in another 12-15 counties. However, our area is still considered drought-free.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), “abnormally dry” conditions now cover about ten percent of the state compared to about two percent a week ago.
The affected areas include all or parts of nearly 25 counties on the northwest side of metro Atlanta, west Georgia, and the south metro area. After several drought-free weeks over the winter and spring, the drought showed up again in early May and has gradually expanded in coverage area since then.
Meanwhile, the level of Lake Lanier as of Thursday morning was 1071.5 about the same as a week ago.