COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — After nearly 11 months, Georgia’s historic drought has officially ended. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued its final Drought Information Statement on August 6, 2026, marking the conclusion of a drought episode that began on September 23, 2025.
The drought intensified through the fall and winter before reaching its peak in April 2026. At its worst, Exceptional Drought (D4), the highest category on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, covered 33% of Georgia.
A Drought for the Record Books
This drought will be remembered as one of the most significant in recent state history. On April 28, 2026, Georgia reached a milestone never before recorded since the U.S. Drought Monitor began tracking conditions in 2000: the entire state was classified in Severe Drought (D2) or worse at the same time.
Across Georgia, counties experienced prolonged drought impacts. On average, counties spent 25 weeks in D2 or worse conditions.
Hardest-Hit Areas
Harris County endured the longest stretch of severe drought conditions, remaining in D2 or worse drought for 38 consecutive weeks…