Georgia Drought Worsens, Straining Farmers and Waterways

Exceptional drought conditions cover 18% of the state, raising concerns about water levels and crop yields.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a parched, cracked field stretching out under a hazy, oppressive sky, conveying the overwhelming scale and melancholic mood of the drought in Georgia.The relentless drought in Georgia has transformed once-lush farmlands into a desolate, sun-scorched landscape, testing the resilience of the state's agricultural communities.Atlanta Today

Drought conditions are worsening across Georgia, with 98% of the state experiencing some level of drought and 18% in the most severe exceptional drought category. The dry conditions are putting pressure on rivers and lakes, including the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, a major water source for metro Atlanta. Farmers are facing challenges during planting season, with the dry, hard clay damaging equipment and potentially reducing crop yields and quality for major Georgia crops like cotton, peanuts, and wheat.

Why it matters

The worsening drought in Georgia is a significant concern, as it threatens the state's vital agricultural industry and water resources. Reduced crop yields could lead to higher food prices, while low river and lake levels could impact water supply and hydroelectric power generation. The drought also increases the risk of wildfires, which can further damage the environment and property.

The details

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, 98% of Georgia is experiencing some level of drought, with 18% of the state in the exceptional drought category, the most severe. Forecasters do not expect meaningful rain in the coming days, and temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s and near 90 degrees, further drying vegetation and increasing fire danger. Along the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta, the dry stretch is raising concerns about water levels, which can impact river flow and contribute to dropping lake levels, including at Lake Lanier, a major water source for metro Atlanta. Farmers, such as Lee Nunn and Donald Chase, are facing challenges during planting season, with the dry, hard clay damaging equipment and potentially reducing crop yields and quality for major Georgia crops like cotton, peanuts, and wheat.

  • The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report was released on Thursday, April 12, 2026.
  • The next U.S. Drought Monitor update is expected next week.

The players

Lee Nunn

A farmer in Morgan County, Georgia who is experiencing the effects of the drought on his crops and equipment.

Donald Chase

A farmer in Oglethorpe, Georgia who is using irrigation to protect his crops, but is concerned about the increased costs and strain on water resources if the drought continues.

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What they’re saying

“That's almost like a brick-hard Georgia red clay. It's super dry.”

— Lee Nunn, Farmer

“If you see pivots running, understand that is raising the cost of producing that crop.”

— Donald Chase, Farmer

What’s next

The next U.S. Drought Monitor update is expected next week, which will provide further insight into the severity and extent of the drought in Georgia.

The takeaway

The worsening drought in Georgia is a significant challenge for the state's farmers and water resources. Reduced crop yields, increased costs, and strain on water supplies could have far-reaching impacts on the local and regional economy. Monitoring the drought conditions and implementing conservation measures will be crucial in the coming months.