Areas in the worst classification of drought, “exceptional,” expanded eastward and across counties south of Atlanta, according to data the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday.
Atlanta was still in an “extreme” drought, the second-worst level of drought, as of Friday, but conditions sparked high fire danger advisories in all of North Georgia.
“If you were to even try to burn any leaves in your yard, it could get out of control very quickly and cause a huge fire,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said Friday.
Last week, northwest and northeast Georgia experienced the driest 60-day period on record, triggering outdoor burning bans in Cobb, Clayton, Douglas, Fulton and Paulding counties.
This week, meteorologists warned that any little bit of fire outdoors could potentially spark dangerous results.
Lamar, Pike and Spalding counties experienced “exceptional” conditions, according to Channel 2 Action News.
October wildfire activity in Georgia was more than 200 times the five-year average for the month, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.
Water levels at Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s source of drinking water, stayed about the same over the past week at 1,062 feet. The full pool level is 1,071 feet.
Rainfall last seven days: 0
Rainfall this month: 0
Rainfall deficit for the year: 9.35
Rainfall deficit since Sept. 1: 4.64
Values in inches as of end of day Thursday
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