Rain is Finally Coming to the Southeast, But It Will Do Little to Ease Drought Concerns

Rain is finally headed to the Southeast. While every bit of moisture is welcome news for the parched region, meteorologists warn that the rain will not offer total relief from the drought and the wildfire concerns. Read on for more information about the timing and impact zones of the incoming precipitation.

Southeastern U.S. Deals With Deepening Drought - Is Relief on the Way?

The southeastern corner of the U.S. is in desperate need of rain. An exceptionally dry start to the spring has resulted in growing drought conditions and the ignition of several wildfires. According to Thursday's report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly all of the southern part of the nation is under some level of drought classification.

Several waves of moisture are expected to push into the Southeast from the central and eastern states in the days ahead. The rain will begin to fall late Friday, lingering through the end of the month.

Unfortunately, the parts of the Southeast grappling with the most severe drought levels are not expected to be the beneficiaries of the heaviest rainfall. The driest parts of the region have picked up less than 15% of the historical average of rain since the start of April. For example, Atlanta has only recorded 3% of its average rainfall this month. The lack of moisture in April is a continuation of the trend set at the beginning of the year.

The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor demonstrates that 99.81% of the Southeast climate region is under some level of drought. This six-state region includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and Virginia. The highest designation of the four-category scale has been assigned to southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

Thousands of acres have been burned as wildfires continue to rage in Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp recently put 91 counties under a state of emergency as the conditions worsen.