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Weather Works: Drought categories explained

Meteorologist Taylor Stephenson explains the various categories of drought and their impacts in this week's episode of "Weather Works."

MACON, Ga. — We are finally nearing the end of summer and one word we've tossed around a lot this season is the word drought.

Drought conditions in Georgia are not universal to the other 49 states. It all depends on the local climate of each place.

There are four different drought categories: moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional.

During moderate drought, the chance of wildfires in the area increases. 

In a severe drought, conditions may worsen enough for local officials to institute burn bans. Under burn bans, no one is allowed to light outdoor fires due to the risk of sparking a wildfire.

Once an area reaches extreme or exceptional drought, this may start to impact economic life and general well-being.

You could see dead crops, which can lead to the malnutrition of farm and wildlife animals and a shortage of certain grocery items.

In some desperate situations, water restrictions may be placed on certain cities or counties.

Drought is not currently a problem in Georgia.

Because we saw a lot of rainfall last month, as of August 25, 2022, there are no drought conditions anywhere in the entire Peach State. 

That hasn't happened since October 2021.

Let's hope for more steady rain and some cooler temperatures in the near future.

That's how your weather works!

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