NWS: Georgia’s historic drought officially ends after nearly a year

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:25:00 -0400

ATLANTA — The map finally flipped.

Atlanta News First reported that the National Weather Service announced Thursday the extensive drought that gripped Georgia has officially ended after nearly a year. The event began Sept. 23, 2025, and persisted through Wednesday, Aug. 5, before the latest Drought Monitor cycle cleared the severe-or-worse categories that trigger ongoing drought information statements.

How bad it got

This was not a routine dry spell with a loud label. In April 2026, ANF noted, the entire state of Georgia experienced severe drought at the same time — described as a first in the 26-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. At that April peak, exceptional drought (D4) covered about one-third of the state. Average counties spent roughly 25 weeks locked in at least severe drought; Harris County endured the longest stretch at 38 consecutive weeks at severe or worse.

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NWS: Georgia’s historic drought officially ends after nearly a year

How bad it got