Severe drought spreads in north Georgia

ATLANTA - Georgia could sure use some rain right about now. The areas across the state experiencing severe drought conditions have expanded.

FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley surplus of rain built up at the beginning of the year has dried up, leaving a 5.67 inch deficit in rainfall in Atlanta since the beginning of March. It is a similar story across much of north Georgia as the summer heats up.

Severe drought conditions exist in much of metro Atlanta and extend northeast along the Interstate 85 corridor into South Carolina. Northwest corner of the state over to the Blue Ridge area also is experiencing similar conditions.

The drought has been affecting lake levels across the state. Lake Lanier is just over three feet below full summer pool, West Point Lake is 3.65 feet short, and Lake Hartwell is 1.41 feet down.

Some good news for our drought situation is the chance for showers and thunderstorms will be increasing over the weekend and into next week.

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