Browse Climate Stories - Page 8

Despite Georgians’ constant umbrella use of late, most of September 2015 was actually drier than normal.

June was much warmer than normal, expanding drought across parts of the state and causing heat damage to some pasturelands and early summer crops.

April 2015 was much warmer and wetter statewide than is usual for the month. The wet conditions caused delays in planting and contributed to some crop disease pressure, while the warm conditions accelerated the growth of plants, like corn, that were already in the ground. While statewide statistics will not be available until later this month, this April is expected to be one of the warmest Aprils on record for Georgia, coming close to the record of 67.9 degrees Fahrenheit set in 2002.

Even though we’re past the average date for last frost in parts of the Southeast, it is still possible for a cold blast to move through the area. By following the provided tips from UGA Extension, gardeners and homeowners can prepare their vulnerable plants for the worst.

After a bone chilling November, Georgia saw warmer and wetter weather in December. The rain eliminated drought across the state, although some patches of abnormally dry conditions were still present at the end of the month.

Drought decreased slightly across south Georgia in September as heavier-than-normal rainfall brought some relief to dry areas, but the rain hindered farmers working their fields. According to the National Drought Monitor, the percentage of the state covered by drought decreased from 20 percent to 15 percent.

Most areas of Georgia received well below normal rainfall in August, leading to expansion of dry conditions and the appearance of severe drought in southern Georgia by the end of the month. Wet conditions were confined to the Atlanta metro area, regions to the northwest and a small part of northern Pierce County. Temperatures were near normal across the state.

A summer drought combined with scorching temperatures have Georgia farmers feeling the heat, says University of Georgia’s agricultural climatologist Pam Knox.

A small area of drought returned to Georgia at the end of last month, following a record-setting dry July in Alma. A record low maximum temperature of 80 degrees F was reported in Brunswick on July 12 and a record high temperature of 97 degrees was recorded there, too, on July 3.

While 2013 gave Georgians a break from the state’s usual sweltering summer temperatures, summer 2014 is shaping up to be more of a standard-issue Georgia scorcher.