Often times we get tunnel vision and only look at what's going on around us. I think that is the case with the ongoing drought in Georgia. Examining the latest drought monitor, you can clearly see that a good chunk of North Georgia is drought free. In fact its 14% of the state. So if you live in Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Floyd, or any of the mountain counties, your water supply, ground water supply, and rainfall totals are just fine. The dryness kicks in south of I-85.

The drought categories are in five levels. One being abnormally dry, followed by moderate (2), severe (3), extreme (4), and exceptional (5).  Some of the south metro Atlanta area is now in level 3.

The real concern is down  below the "fall line", Columbus to Macon to Augusta. All of that area, or 69% of the state, is either level 4 or 5. In fact, nearly 30% of the state is now in an exceptional drought. If this situation does not improve through the spring months, the effect will be damaging to the agricultural community.

So when we talk about the drought in Georgia, think outside your window. Peace.