Since April 14th, DeKalb County has been experiencing extreme drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This tool, updated weekly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), depicts DeKalb County in the 2nd most severe category on their 5-tier scale. As of April 28st, 100% of Georgia is experiencing severe, extreme, or exceptional drought (Figure 1). On April 27th, 2026, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) declared a Drought Response Level 1 across the entire state.
Precipitation is commonly measured in terms of “water years”, a period beginning in October used to better match the natural hydrologic cycle (USDA Water Year Graphs). At this point in the water year, DeKalb County has received the lowest quantity of rainfall in the past 100 years (NOAA Climate at a Glance).
Last year, DeKalb County County received over double the average monthly rainfall reported in May, making May was the 5th wettest year on record for all of Georgia (2025 Climate Summary). Many parts of the state experienced record breaking rain throughout the year, while others experienced drought. The average yearly precipitation has not significantly risen or fallen in Georgia, but we have noticed a shift toward weather extremes. The quantity of rain precipitated during a storm has increased by 27% since 1958, fueling an increasing intensity in storms (What Climate Means for Georgia). This year, we are experiencing an extreme, statewide drought.
Impacts historically associated with this drought level are devastating to farmers. Many experience wells and ponds drying out, ground cracking, increased wildfire risk, plant mortality, and other agricultural losses. Dry reservoirs and irrigation ponds can be detrimental to crop irrigation and result in drying of pastures for animal grazing. Although increased rainfall is predicted in the coming weeks (Rain in the Forecast), which we have already begun to see in DeKalb County, it will likely take time to fully recover from April’s extreme drought effects.
Under a Drought Level 1 state, watering is still permitted between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Public water systems must share educational information regarding the impact of the drought and promoting water conservation. The following practices can be implemented in your landscape and to further conserve water throughout the state.
Landscape Water Saving Tips:
- Collect rainwater from the upcoming storms to irrigate your plants.
- Avoid overwatering your plants. Only water when the soil is dry (this will also help prevent soilborne diseases).
- Relocate potted plants to more suitable locations where they are less likely to dry out.
- Reduce the frequency you irrigate your turfgrass.
- Instead of sprinklers, switch to drip irrigation to reduce water lost to runoff and evaporation.
- Add mulch to minimize water evaporation from the soil.
- Cover pools when they are not in use.
Household Water Saving Tips:
- Turn off running water when it’s not being used (like when brushing your teeth).
- Take shorter showers.
- Wash laundry and dishes will full loads.
- Reduce the flow of toilets and showers.
Sources & Additional Information:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division Declares Drought Response Level 1 by the Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Drought Monitor – Georgia by Brian Fuchs, National Drought Mitigation Center, and Anthony Artusa, NOAA/NWS/NCEP/CPC
Climate at a Glance County Time Series by NOAA
Wildfires used to ‘go to sleep’ at night. Climate change has them burning overtime. by Pam Knox
Rain in the Forecast by Pam Knox
Developing a Water Smart Landscape by UGA Cooperative Extension
Leave a Reply