April 9, 2026

Southeast Drought Intensifies

The latest Drought Monitor Map (4/7/26) report highlights a worsening crisis across the Southeast. Due to a persistent lack of rainfall, drought conditions have deepened significantly:

• Critical Levels: More than 5% of the region is now buried under D4 (Exceptional Drought) conditions.
• Widespread Impact: An incredible 97% of the region is experiencing some level of dryness; less than 3% remains unaffected.
• Brief Relief: While Easter weekend brought scattered showers to some areas, any improvements on the next map will likely be a "flash in the pan."

The Forecast:

The forecast for the coming weeks suggests a continued dry pattern. While the recent holiday rain provided a brief reprieve, the lack of sustained precipitation means any recovery will likely be temporary as the region settles back into a parched stretch.



Click here for the complete report and data

The Georgia EPD urges continued water conservation, both indoor and outdoor.

Georgia is currently operating under "Non-Drought" conditions, which have irrigation requirements. Under the Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010 and Georgia EPD rules, non-drought conditions allow for daily outdoor water use with specific time restrictions and several key exemptions.

During non-drought periods, outdoor irrigation for purposes such as growing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants is permitted daily, but only during the following hours:

• Allowed: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Prohibited: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (to minimize water loss through evaporation).

During installation and for 30 days after installation is complete, newly planted lawns, turf, ground cover, flowers, shrubs, trees and ​other plants can be watered at any time of day.

There are several exempt items, including food gardens, irrigation of plants for sale, water from private wells, and irrigation ponds. For a complete list of rules and exemptions, click here

Resilient by Design: Engineering the Future of Water-Wise Landscapes

  Practical Strategies for Beauty, Function, and Sustainability

Join us to walk through the outstanding inventory of specimen plants, then enjoy dinner and a presentation by UGA and industry experts!

Join Heather Kirk-Ballard, UGA Sustainable Urban Landscapes, Pam Dooley of Plants Creative Landscapes and Brandy Hall, Shades of Green Permaculture* for a timely conversation on designing and maintaining landscapes for a drier, more sustainable future - but be prepared for rainfall, too.

*Brandy is the author of "The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture" and will have books available for sale at the event.

• Networking/social hour: 5 - 6 pm (cash bar: beer/wine)
• Dinner and presentation: 6 - 8 pm
• UAC Member: $45
• Non-member: $60
• UGA CAES Extension or other Educator: $25

Catered by Las Brasas, Decatur

Sponsored by

 Topiary Courtyard

3045 Jones Mill Rd,

Peachtree Corners 30071

The April "UAC Digital Magazine" is online now!

Stop Losing Profitable Work to the "Low-Ballers"

From Swampy to Stunning: Rainwater Solutions That Sell

Georgia Urban Agriculture Council's Political Action Committee Initiative

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Join your fellow landscape industry members - from all across the green industry - and become a member or renew today!

Contact us at office@georgiauac.com for:

1. Questions about membership
2. New to UAC? Email us for new member discount for 1st year of membership (business level members only)

Georgia Urban Ag Council

2566 Shallowford Rd, Ste 104-Box 117, Atlanta GA 30345

706-750-0350 | WEB | EMAIL