By Clint Thompson
Weather statistics for 2025 indicated a drier than normal year for the Southeast. It was the driest in Florida, South Georgia and Alabama, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist.
She noted in the UGA Climate and Agriculture Blog that last year’s weather, especially during the fall, was warmer and drier than usual. The region experienced a prolonged drought during the fall months. Knox said the lack of tropical rainfall contributed significantly to those dry conditions.
“It’s not the only cause for sure because we had some pretty persistent high pressure over us. Of course, that helped to keep the tropical storms away. The lack of any tropical rain was certainly a factor,” Knox said.
“In the Southeast, up to 30% of our growing season rainfall comes from those tropical systems, and if we don’t have it, we are much more likely to go into a drought. That’s what we saw. A drought this time of year is a little concerning as we head towards the next growing season. The drier conditions will allow farmers to get into the fields, but it’s hard to plant when there’s no moisture because the seeds aren’t going to germinate.”
All of the Southeast, specifically Florida, Georgia and Alabama, is currently experiencing dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate drought covers most of the region, though severe drought and extreme drought conditions cover North Florida, South Georgia and parts of central Alabama.