A very dry weather pattern, which actually began in mid-August, continued into October.  The synoptic pattern was dominated by northwest flow aloft and a series of large Canadian high pressure systems which brought repeated spells of cool, dry weather to Georgia during the month.  October was the driest month of the year at all reporting stations and the driest month observed at most locations since October 2000, near the all time record driest for Macon.  Less than 1 inch of rainfall was recorded at all of the major airport reporting locations in north and central Georgia with 0.87 inches at Atlanta, 0.82 inches at Columbus, 0.42 inches at Athens, and 0.12 inches at Macon.  Normal rainfall values for the month of October are 3.05 inches for Atlanta, 2.22 inches for Columbus, 3.28 inches for Athens, and 2.18 inches for Macon.  While all stations have in the past had at least one October with no measurable rainfall, 2001 ranked as the 2nd driest October at Macon since 1931 and the 11th driest at Athens since 1931. What little rain that fell, in all cases less than 1 inch, occurred along and ahead of three fairly strong cold fronts, one passing through the state the 5th and 6th, another on the 13th and 14th, and a third on the 25th.  In most cases, rainfall amounts were less than 0.10 inch on these days.  Long consecutive stretches of days with no measurable rain were observed, especially during the latter half of the month.  Athens and Macon both recorded 17 consecutive days (15th - 31st) with no measurable rainfall.  The abnormally dry October, combined with below normal rainfall at most locations in September and October, brought rainfall deficits in excess of 5.00 inches for the year at many locations. By October 31st, the rainfall deficit for Atlanta had exceeded 7.00 inches and in Columbus had exceeded 8.00 inches.  This is the 4th consecutive year that rainfall amounts were well below normal for the year at the end of October.  However, overall deficits averaged 6 to 8 inches less than at this same time in 2000.

Drought in BLECKLEY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BUTTS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHATTOOGA, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CATOOSA, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MACON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MADISON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PUTNAM, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in ROCKDALE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SCHLEY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SOUTH FULTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SPALDING, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in STEWART, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TALBOT, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TALIAFERRO, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TELFAIR, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TOOMBS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TOWNS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TREUTLEN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TROUP, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MARION, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MERIWETHER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MONROE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MONTGOMERY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MORGAN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MURRAY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MUSCOGEE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in NEWTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in NORTH FULTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DE KALB, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JONES, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LAMAR, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LAURENS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LUMPKIN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JASPER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JEFFERSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JOHNSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DAWSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DODGE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DOOLY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in EMANUEL, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FANNIN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FAYETTE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FORSYTH, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GILMER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GLASCOCK, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GORDON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GREENE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HALL, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HANCOCK, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in OCONEE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SUMTER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in POLK, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PULASKI, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHATTAHOOCHEE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CLARKE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in COBB, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in COWETA, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CRAWFORD, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CRISP, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DADE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TWIGGS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in UNION, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in UPSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WALTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WARREN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WASHINGTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BARTOW, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BALDWIN, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BANKS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BARROW, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HEARD, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JACKSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HARALSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in OGLETHORPE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PAULDING, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PEACH, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PICKENS, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHEELER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHITE, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHITFIELD, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILCOX, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILKES, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILKINSON, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WEBSTER, GEORGIA
From 01-OCT-01 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-01 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.