70 Percent of Georgia Now in Extreme Drought With Water Restrictions Possible This Summer
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Georgia’s drought crisis has reached its worst point since the onset of conditions in Fall 2025, with 70% of the state now locked in Extreme drought and nearly 25% — concentrated across South Georgia — in Exceptional drought, the most severe category on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale.
Drought Coverage Now at Its Greatest Extent in Nearly 20 Years
The D2 through D4 drought coverage across Georgia is now at its greatest extent since May 2007 — nearly two decades. Two-thirds of the state is classified at D3 Extreme drought or higher, and conditions have deteriorated consistently since Fall 2025 with no significant relief in sight.
South Georgia’s Crop Belt Is at the Center of the Crisis
| Drought Category | Coverage | Key Area |
|---|---|---|
| D3 Extreme (and above) | ~70% of state | Statewide |
| D4 Exceptional | ~25% of state | South Georgia crop belt |
Almost all of South Georgia, where the majority of the state’s crops are grown, is now sitting under Exceptional drought — the worst tier. This raises serious concern for agricultural output heading into the summer growing season.
Water Restrictions Could Hit Georgia by Summer
Officials warn that if major drought improvements do not materialize by the end of May, water restrictions are likely to be implemented across the state this summer. The window for natural recovery is narrowing rapidly as temperatures rise and soil moisture deficits deepen.
Georgia residents, farmers, and local governments should begin preparing for potential usage limits now rather than waiting for formal restrictions to be announced.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for ongoing drought and water restriction updates across Georgia and the Southeast.
