Forecasters Predict Spring Will Be Warmer & Drier

Recently in a Drought Information Statement, the National Weather Service made predictions that the severe to extreme drought that currently exists over much of the state will continue for the next few months.

According to the release, the continuation of the drought is because the La Nina weather pattern is weakening.

Many of the impacts of the drought have been concealed throughout the Winter season because vegetation is dormant. It is anticipated that many smaller lakes, ponds, streams, and river levels will stay below normal going into the Spring.

Over the last two weeks some of the drought has been relieved by rainfall amounts of half an inch to two inches across Middle Georgia, and two to four inches over North Georgia.

The NWS report notes that with the improving rainfall deficits, soil moisture has also improved.

Unfortunately, there has been “little change in the coverage of the severe to extreme drought area.”

As of January 17, 2012, 74.99% of the state is in an Extreme Drought, compared to 6.49% last year. 4.48% of the state is in an Exceptional Drought, compared to 0.00% in 2011. To see Georgia’s most recent drought map, click here (http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?GA,SE)

So, what about the future? Will the mild weather contiunue for the rest of Winter? What about Spring?

Forecasters predict that in February, temperatures will be above average and precipitation will be below normal.

That trend is expected to continue through April, so for those of you who were hoping for a white Valentine’s Day, I’m sorry to say that as of right now, it does not appear likely.