News Summary
Savannah is grappling with severe drought as it enters the second driest April on record, with 13 days without significant rainfall. Residents face rising temperatures and elevated wildfire risks. An open burning ban has been implemented across multiple counties. Forecasts suggest low rain chances in the coming week, as locals are urged to conserve water and prepare for the increasing threat of wildfires. With 56% of the population affected by these conditions, the community is on high alert for changing weather patterns and potential fire hazards.
Savannah is facing escalating drought conditions as the region experiences an extended dry spell with temperatures projected to rise. Savannah has now endured 13 consecutive days without significant rainfall, with a current shortfall of over 5.5 inches since the beginning of 2025, making it poised to be the second driest April on record. The Drought Monitor reveals that conditions are classified as abnormally dry to moderate drought across the area.
Today, temperatures began cool in the low to mid 60s during the early hours, expected to rise to the lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Afternoon highs could reach the mid 80s, accompanied by a light north breeze. As the day progresses, temperatures will dip into the 70s by sunset. Tomorrow will again start cool, with morning temperatures in the low to mid 60s, warming to the upper 80s by afternoon. However, increased cloud cover may bring about a brief light shower north of I-16 in the evening.
The current weather pattern suggests low-end rain chances through the next week, which could exacerbate the already concerning drought conditions. A slight chance of rain is predicted for Sunday, although it might not significantly alter weekend activities, as most of the region is expected to stay dry. Morning lows during the weekend are likely to be in the upper 60s, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 80s. On Monday, as fall approaches, another low-end chance of rain is anticipated with highs also predicted in the mid 80s.
In addition to the drought, Savannah is experiencing heightened wildfire risks, with two active wildfires documented in Wayne and Camden counties. Over the last 30 days, 13 wildfires have burned approximately 123 acres. To combat these fire threats, an open burning ban has been implemented from May 1 to September 30 across more than 50 counties in Georgia. The extreme dryness is raising concerns about brush and wildfires, prompting safety measures and public advisories.
Weather forecasts for the upcoming days include mild to warm conditions interspersed with the possibility of widely scattered thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday. Monday has been designated as a WJCL Impact Day, indicating a slight risk of strong or isolated severe storms during the afternoon and evening hours.
Adding to the weather landscape, an area of disorganized showers has been detected in the central Atlantic. It has a chance of developing into a tropical depression by mid-week, although it is unlikely to impact the mainland United States. Should it escalate to a tropical storm, it will be named ‘Gabrielle.’ Another potential disturbance off the west coast of Africa has a 20% chance of development over the next week.
Currently, the drought conditions affect around 56% of residents in Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry, impacting approximately 385,600 individuals. The community is urged to conserve water and stay informed about fire dangers and changing weather patterns as the week progresses.
In summary, residents of Savannah are facing dry weather and increasing drought conditions, accompanied by rising temperatures and ongoing wildfire threats, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness amid these challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Launches Its First Musical Theatre Festival
Catoosa County Residents Can Apply for Low-Interest Disaster Loans
Chatham County Reports Second Case of West Nile Virus
EBRD Secures $10 Million Financing for Crystal Microbank in Georgia
Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $82 Million After No Winner
CoreWeave’s Market Debut: A Cautious Start for AI IPOs
Georgia Lawmakers Push to Reclaim Northern Border from Tennessee
Metro Atlanta’s Data Center Growth Faces Water Challenges
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Drought Conditions Worsen in Southeast Georgia
- Wikipedia: Drought
- Savannah Now: Drought Risk of Wildfires Rise
- Google Search: Drought in Georgia
- WJCL: Moderate Drought Expands in Georgia & South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Drought Conditions Southeast Georgia
- WJCL: Drought Conditions Expand in Savannah Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
- BFT Online: Drought Conditions Threatening Shea Production
- Google News: Drought Impact on Agriculture
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
