Drought still persists across the Southeast region. But exceptional drought no longer exists in North Alabama and North Georgia, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The northern regions of both states are still classified in an extreme drought. Alabama’s driest areas start as far south as Bibb and Hale counties in the central part of the state and stretch northward to the Alabama-Tennessee state line. Counties like Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison and Jackson are still extremely dry.
Georgia’s driest areas are concentrated in the northernmost counties. Extreme drought conditions are observed as far south as Floyd, Bartow and Cherokee counties and stretch northward to Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Fannin, Union, Towns and Rabun counties. Southwest Georgia is mostly moderately dry.
The Florida Panhandle is severely dry, starting in Escambia County and stretching eastward to Washington and Jackson counties. Extreme drought is still present along the west coast in parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The next drought monitor map will be released on Thursday, Dec. 7. Conditions should continue to improve following widespread rainfall this past weekend.