Drought Conditions In The Southeast

According to The Augusta Chronicle, computer models are showing the Augusta, GA area could recieve more consistant rainfall soon.  That is not alieviating my fears.  According to a Sr. Hydrologist, Mr.  Todd Hamill of the South East River Forecast Center,  the Augusta area has a rainfall deficit of more than 14 inches.  La Nina is to blame.  There was record heat in August 2007.  There was no sight of tropical weather systems that usually soak the region. Augusta is in it's second year of a two year cycle.  Experts say that this weather cycle doesn't extend into three years. 

The experts also say that we get our majority of rainfall at the end of the year.  We are in the middle of November with no rainfall in sight.  It's been 106 days since we had any substantial rain and we're heading into the record books. 

 Stats show that  for the past 60 years, even in the lowest rainfall conditions, we average over 9" of rain from October to March.  You can knock October out of the race as well as the first two weeks in November.  The ground is parched and cracked.  In McDuffie County Georgia, a water intake pipe shut down after water levels dropped at Clark Hills Lake, leaving the pipe on bare ground. Water levels have dropped 12 feet since January, 2007. 

There are watering bans in place to try and conserve water.  In Atlanta, Ga. they prayed for rain yesterday on the Capital Steps.  Small towns are limiting water usage to just a few hours a day.  Docks and piers are on dry land, where water used to be.  The drought is hurting agriculture and wild life, wild aninmals venture into residential areas looking for water.  I've seen quite a few dead deers on the side of the roads.  Hitting one can seriously injure or kill you.  Never mind the damage to your car.

I'm praying for rain, and I hope the experts are right.  We need rain!!!