A large Polar vortex, anchored over the Hudson Bay region of Canada and the northeastern United States, dominated the eastern United States nearly the entire month.  As a result, a cold, dry northwest flow prevailed into the southeastern United States throughout the month.  Gulf moisture was virtually shut off from weather systems as disturbances moved down into the area from the Northern Plains and Ohio Valley.  This pattern resulted in very little precipitation during the first 28 days of the month.  During the last three days of the month, a stronger southern jet stream brought rain back into the area.  Many locations in north and central Georgia were having their driest January in history prior to the 29th, when 1.00 to 2.00 inches of rain fell across much of the area.  For the first 28 days of the month, many areas had not even received 0.50 inch of rain or liquid equivalent of snow.  Nonetheless, the lack of rain during the first 28 days left most areas with a substantial rainfall deficit for the month, including Macon with a deficit of 3.55 inches, Atlanta with a deficit of 3.03 inches, Athens with a deficit of 2.95 inches, and Columbus with a deficit of 2.66 inches.  January is normally a rainy month for north and central Georgia with normal rainfall amounts in the 4.00 to 5.00 inch range.

Drought in MADISON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MARION, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JONES, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GORDON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HEARD, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LUMPKIN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MACON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MONTGOMERY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MORGAN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TELFAIR, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TOOMBS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WASHINGTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TROUP, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in COBB, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JACKSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TWIGGS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BARTOW, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CRISP, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in POLK, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WEBSTER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHEELER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHITE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GILMER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILCOX, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILKES, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in COWETA, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BLECKLEY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TALIAFERRO, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WALTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HALL, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PULASKI, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PUTNAM, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TOWNS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FORSYTH, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HANCOCK, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MUSCOGEE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MURRAY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SPALDING, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TREUTLEN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WARREN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CRAWFORD, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in STEWART, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PICKENS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SUMTER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CLARKE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DODGE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MERIWETHER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in OCONEE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in OGLETHORPE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HARALSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in MONROE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in UNION, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in UPSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WHITFIELD, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in TALBOT, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SCHLEY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in NEWTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in NORTH FULTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JEFFERSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DADE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BALDWIN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BANKS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in EMANUEL, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DOOLY, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHATTOOGA, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DAWSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BARROW, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in DE KALB, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LAMAR, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in LAURENS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JOHNSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in JASPER, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in BUTTS, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CATOOSA, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in CHATTAHOOCHEE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FAYETTE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in FANNIN, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PAULDING, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in SOUTH FULTON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in PEACH, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in WILKINSON, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GREENE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in ROCKDALE, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Drought in GLASCOCK, GEORGIA
From 01-JAN-03 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-03 23:59:00 (EST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.