Rain is returning across much of the Southeast this week, and Georgia is right in the middle of the wet pattern.

AccuWeather says the heaviest downpours could raise the risk of flash flooding but could also offer some drought relief to states stressed by months of dry weather.

Wet weather is coming this week

A stalled weather system is setting up a multi-day soaking across the Southeast, and bringing lots of wet conditions.

This week’s outlook:

Wednesday: High of 81℉ (feels like 86℉) Cloudy and humid with an afternoon thunderstorm.
Thursday: High of 86 ℉ (feels like 95℉) Rain chances dip slightly, but afternoon storms possible with heavy downpours and frequent lightning.
Friday: 75 ℉ (feels like 80℉) Widespread rain with numerous afternoon storms expected in the afternoon.
Saturday: 76℉ (feels like 81℉) Early morning rain and cloudy and humid with showers
Sunday: 79℉ (feels like 85℉ ) Rain chances begin to ease, unseasonably cool and drier pattern emerges

There’s risk of flash floods

More rain isn’t automatically good news when the ground or the storm drains aren’t ready for it. Flash floods can occur quickly given the right conditions.

The right conditions:

Heavy rainfall that falls faster than the ground can absorb it.
Slow-moving or repeated rainstorms that drop a lot of water in a short time.
Saturated soil that can’t take in more water.
Urban surfaces like pavement, roofs and parking lots that increase runoff.
Steep terrain or mountainous areas that send water downhill quickly.
Low-lying areas, stream channels and places near creeks or rivers that can overflow fast.
Storm drains, culverts or drainage systems that become overwhelmed or clogged.
Tropical systems, hurricanes or strong coastal storms that bring prolonged heavy rain.
Drought-hardened or clay-heavy soils that shed water instead of soaking it up.
Dam failures, levee failures, ice jams or rapid snowmelt in colder regions.

Georgia’s drought watch

Georgia’s drought conditions continue to alarm experts, with some calling it one of the worst droughts in years and the numbers are stark heading into this week’s storms.

99% of Georgia is under some level of drought conditions
~49.6% of the state is in extreme drought (D3)
28.2% is in exceptional drought (D4)
South Georgia is among the hardest-hit areas
Livestock producers have exhausted hay supplies and
Water sources for irrigation remain critically low

Stay informed

For now, best practice is to get prepared and stay informed.

Monitor the National Weather Service Peachtree City
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