Drought conditions continue to grip all of the state, including southeast Georgia where an extreme drought has fueled roaring wildfires that have scorched more than 100,000 acres.

In addition to southeast Georgia, areas of northwest Georgia are also in extreme drought. Parts of North Georgia including metro Atlanta, and south and southwest Georgia are in a severe drought, while moderate drought conditions are reported in other parts of the state. Little or no rainfall and temperatures rising into the 80s are exacerbating the drought.

"Drought categories are based on many indicators, including rainfall over the past one, three, six and 12 months, soil moisture, stream flow and groundwater levels," says State Climatologist David Stooksbury.

Rainfall deficits from the period of January 1 through May 1 are significant. Athens reports a deficit of 5.71 inches; Columbus 6.60 inches; Macon 7.51 inches; Atlanta 9.62 inches; Tifton 10.61 inches; and LaFayette 12.20 inches.

The U.S. Geological Survey is also reporting daily record-low and near record-low flows for Georgia rivers, including the Ochlockonee, Alapaha, Suwannee, Satilla, Ocmulgee, Alcovy, Oconee, Flint, Oostanaula, Coosawattee and Conasauga, for late April and early May.

The drought has sparked statewide restrictions on outdoor water use. Outdoor watering is allowed at odd-numbered addresses on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from midnight until 10:00 a.m. It is permitted at even-numbered addresses from midnight until 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Outdoor watering is banned on Fridays. Local authorities may impose even stricter limits.

"The drought presents a serious threat in terms of public safety and the availability of water," says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English. "We need to observe these restrictions and consider how we can conserve water."

Officials of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) say the State Drought Committee is closely monitoring drought conditions and warn that future conditions could warrant a complete ban on outdoor watering.

"As the hottest, normally lower rainfall period of the year is still before us, Georgia must anticipate and be prepared for critical water supply shortages as the drought deepens," says EPD Director Dr. Carol Couch. "Although the public is aware of the extensive fires in South Georgia, citizens of north Georgia must also be prepared for wildfires and water shortages."

The levels of drought are based on statistical likelihood. Extreme drought conditions are those that are expected once every 50 years. Severe drought conditions are those that are expected once every 20 years. Mild drought conditions are expected to occur every 10 years.

A total of 32 counties are in extreme drought including: Bryan, Chatham, Grady, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Thomas, Ware, Wayne, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Polk and Walker counties.

The mission of GEMA is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive all-hazards approach to mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and special events. For more information, visit the following Web sites: http://www.gema.state.ga.us/, http://www.georgiadrought.org/, and http://www.georgiaweather.net/.