Rainy conditions over Georgia improved the ongoing Short-Term Drought over portions of Georgia through December. By the end of November, D4 Exceptional Drought had been eliminated, with persistent D2 Severe to D3 Extreme drought over north Georgia.  Statistically speaking, at the start of December, 19.9 percent of the state was in D2 Severe Drought or worse, with 8.7 percent being D3 Extreme Drought or worse. At the peak of the drought, as shown in the Drought Monitor map on November 21, 2023, 24.7 percent of the state was in D2 Severe Drought or worse, with 9.7 percent being D3 Extreme Drought or worse.
In total, December's rainfall generally ranged from 2 to 9 inches. Over nearly two thirds of the area, accumulations were 2 to 4 inches (40 to 90 percent of normal), with the lowest amounts near Columbus, Roberta and Eatonton closer to 1.5 inches (35 percent of normal). Over north and east central Georgia, amounts were higher, with accumulations of 5 to 9 inches (100 to 200 percent of normal). The highest totals over the northeast Georgia mountains were 11 inches (200 percent of normal). In general, these rainfall amounts fell during only 2-3 impactful weather events during the month.
In the December 28 Drought Information Statement issued by the NWS Atlanta office, 30-day rainfall totals were included for some of the driest climate record locations: Rome (RMG) reported 3.91 inches (80% of normal), Atlanta (ATL) reported 3.43 inches (77 percent of normal), Peachtree City (FFC) reported 2.88 inches (66 percent of normal), and Columbus (CSG) reported 1.86 inches (40 percent of normal). The 30-day totals for other locations exemplified the improving drought conditions over the state: Gainesville (GVL) reported 6.65 inches (147 percent of normal), Athens (AHN) reported 4.34 inches (103 percent of normal), and Peachtree-DeKalb (PDK) reported 4.10 inches (97 percent of normal).
By the end of December, soil moisture normal to above normal for the southeastern three-quarters of the state, with just northwest Georgia slow to show improvement. The National Drought Mitigation Center's Condition Monitoring Observer Reports from farmers reported improvements with the higher rainfall amounts but still reported fair pasture conditions. Farmers reported supplemental feeding was required for cattle and livestock, though some green up of fields had occurred in the warming beginning of the month. Additionally, through the month there were reports of delayed harvesting or planting of seasonal crops and heavy degree of loss with crop yield, or complete or near crop failure. Some farmers reported having to reduce their livestock herd due to the lack of sufficient food supply. Although collaborative efforts between NWS Atlanta office and local fire officials remained enhanced, many north Georgia localities opted to lift burn bans with the improved drought conditions.
The drought continued to improve in January.

Drought in BANKS, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Banks county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in POLK, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Polk county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in PAULDING, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Paulding county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in COBB, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Cobb county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in WHITFIELD, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Whitfield county at the beginning of December and above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 12, where it remained through the month.

Drought in MURRAY, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Murray county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in GILMER, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Gilmer county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in TOWNS, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Towns county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in PICKENS, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Pickens county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in CHATTOOGA, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Chattooga county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in GORDON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Gordon county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in LUMPKIN, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Lumpkin county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in BARTOW, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Bartow county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in HALL, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Hall county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in MADISON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Madison county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in HARALSON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Haralson county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in BARROW, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Barrow county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over Barrow county.
In total, Barrow county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 6 weeks, beginning on or about November 14, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, Barrow county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in CATOOSA, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Catoosa county at the beginning of December and above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 12, where it remained through the month.

Drought in DAWSON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Dawson county at the beginning of December and above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 12, where it remained through the month.

Drought in NORTH FULTON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 11-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Fulton county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 12, ending the short-term drought over Fulton county.
In total, Fulton county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 3 weeks, beginning on or about November 21, 2023, and ending December 12, 2023. At the peak, Fulton county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in CLARKE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Clarke county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over Clarke county.
In total, Clarke county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 6 weeks, beginning on or about November 14, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, Clarke county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in OGLETHORPE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Oglethorpe county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over Oglethorpe county.
In total, Oglethorpe county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 8 weeks, beginning on or about October 31, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, Oglethorpe county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in WILKES, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Wilkes county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over Wilkes county.
In total, Wilkes county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 6 weeks, beginning on or about November 14, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, Wilkes county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in WALTON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 11-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Walton county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 12, ending the short-term drought over Walton county.
In total, Walton county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 3 weeks, beginning on or about November 21, 2023, and ending December 12, 2023. At the peak, Walton county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in OCONEE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Oconee county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over Oconee county.
In total, Oconee county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 6 weeks, beginning on or about November 14, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, Oconee county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Walker county at the beginning of December and above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 12, where it remained through the month.

Drought in DADE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Dade county at the beginning of December and above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 12, where it remained through the month.

Drought in FANNIN, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Fannin county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in UNION, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Union county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Cherokee county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall improved conditions to D2 Severe Drought on December 26, where it remained through the month.

Drought in WHITE, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in White county at the beginning of December. Late, above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 26, ending the short-term drought over White county.
In total, White county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 8 weeks, beginning on or about October 31, 2023, and ending December 26, 2023. At the peak, White County was under D3 Extreme Drought conditions for approximately 5 weeks.

Drought in JACKSON, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Jackson county through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to end drought conditions until January 2024.

Drought in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D3 Extreme Drought conditions were present in Floyd through December. Although late-December rainfall offered slight relief, it was not enough to improve conditions to D2 until January 2024.

Drought in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 11-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Gwinnett county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 12, ending the short-term drought over Gwinnett county.
In total, Gwinnett county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 3 weeks, beginning on or about November 21, 2023, and ending December 12, 2023. At the peak, Gwinnett county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.

Drought in FORSYTH, GEORGIA
From 01-DEC-23 00:00:00 to 11-DEC-23 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

According to the Drought Monitor, D2 Severe Drought conditions were present in Forsyth county at the beginning of December. Above-normal December rainfall rapidly improved conditions to D1 Moderate Drought on December 12, ending the short-term drought over Forsyth county.
In total, Forsyth county was under D2 Severe Drought or worse conditions for approximately 4 weeks, beginning on or about November 14, 2023, and ending December 12, 2023. At the peak, Forsyth county was under D2 Severe Drought conditions.