Savannah, nearly all of Georgia abnormally dry; some corn crops could be 'total loss'

Nearly half of Georgia is experiencing drought conditions, and more than 95% of the state is now considered “abnormally dry,” according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Much of the Southeast is facing similar conditions “due to the hot weather and almost complete lack of rain other than a few scattered showers," said Pam Knox, an agricultural climatologist at the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Enviromental Sciences.

Farmers growing corn could see significant impact from high temperatures and lack of rainfall.

That’s because pollen has a difficult time sticking to dry silk.

“There is no germination and thus no corn kernels,” Knox explained. “I suspect some fields will be complete losses.”

Pastures are also dry, leaving many cattle farmers to feed their cows hay because there is little grass in the fields, she added.

“Some other crops are seeing some disease pressure due to the heat and dry conditions, but it is probably too early to assess what impact there will be on yield yet because it depends on what happens the rest of the season,” Knox explained.

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Drought in a ‘flash’

Climate change is contributing to “flash drought” conditions like those much of Georgia is experiencing because higher temperatures accelerate the drying process. In addition to affecting farms, extremely dry conditions increase the threat of wildfires and allow them to spread faster when they do ignite.

In coastal Georgia, Chatham, Bryan and Liberty counties are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, NOAA says.

Areas just east of Atlanta and around Macon are the driest, according to the Drought Monitor. Most of the northern half of the state is at least in moderate drought.

“The flash drought is likely to continue to spread in the next week as temperatures will continue to be hot with only scattered showers likely,” Knox said. “While warmer-than-normal temperatures are likely to continue through July, a pattern shift should bring more moisture and the chance of pop-up thunderstorms to the state for most of the month.”

Savannah could see some relief soon. Heavy rain is in the forecast for Saturday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at 912-652-0213.