By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to persist across areas of the Southeast. They’re likely to continue in the near term, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. But that won’t always be the case amid a strong El Niño. “The signal for El Niño this winter is very strong, which means that sooner or later we’re …
El Niño Impacting Tropical System Development in Atlantic
By Clint Thompson This year’s summer season is on its last leg with fall weather on the horizon. For the second straight summer, the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, did not experience a hurricane or tropical storm. It’s not a surprise to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, who attributes the lack of Atlantic tropical activity to …
Southeast Dry Conditions Could Worsen Absent Tropical System
By Clint Thompson Pop-up thunderstorms this summer have made it feel rainier than it really has been across the Southeast. While some areas have experienced timely rains, the Aug. 27 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of the region is still experiencing drought-like conditions. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current weather pattern. “It’s …
It Could Happen: Southeast Hopes to Dodge Hurricane for Second Straight Season
By Clint Thompson Before 2025, the likelihood that the Southeast region could experience a tropical season without a tropical storm or major hurricane seemed unfathomable; especially on the heels of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. But yet, the region dodged a major storm. The likelihood that the region could go through 2026 without the impact of a major …
Ag Climatologist Discusses Current Drought Conditions
By Clint Thompson The prolonged drought that lingered across the Southeast is still being observed in parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia; just to a lesser extent. The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry areas still present in all three states. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, talked about the drought and how …
Climatologist Perspective: Quickly Developing Storms More Likely Than Those from Africa
By Clint Thompson The decreased chance for a hurricane this year does not mean one won’t happen. In fact, there is an increased chance for a pop-up storm to occur in this scenario, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “What some of the consequences that they’re starting to talk a little bit now are with …
Weather Forecast: El Niño Development Leads to Reduction in Expected Tropical Systems
By Clint Thompson What was already projected to be a quiet tropical season may be a little quieter based on the latest projections from Colorado State University. CSU is predicting nine named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane with winds topping 111 miles per hour. The 1991-2020 average is 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. CSU’s …
‘Long Period of Above Normal Rain’ Needed to Eliminate Drought
By Clint Thompson The winter-spring drought that impacted the Southeast spanned for nine months will not disappear overnight. Even as much of the region is experiencing increased rainfall in recent weeks, it will require time to completely wipe out exceptional drought conditions that were present in areas like South Georgia and North Florida. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …
Couple of Factors Contributed to Rare Spring Drought
By Clint Thompson A springtime drought is abnormal. But considering the circumstances surrounding the drought’s buildup, dating back to last August, it should not be surprising for specialty crop growers in the middle of it. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the two main factors that contributed to a drought that has spanned over eight months. …
UGA Peach Disease Specialist: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent so far this year for Southeast growers; attributed to the prolonged drought. But there’s still time for this year’s crop to be impacted by certain diseases, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If it starts raining, we’ll still have potential for disease. It will probably …

















