January saw unusually dry and cold conditions for much of the month. Rainfall for the month was nearly 3 inches below normal across north and central Georgia and the majority of the rainfall recorded fell on the last 3 days. Temperatures were also below normal, in fact the coldest temperatures of the year were recorded on the 24th. Overnight lows in Atlanta fell to 8 degrees - and temperatures in the lower teens were reported in Columbus, Macon, and Athens. Overall, the mean temperature for the state was about 2 degrees below normal in January.

A change in the overall weather pattern affecting Georgia came in early February and lasted into the middle of summer. From February to April, temperatures were warmer than normal, and rainfall increased dramatically. Overall, central Georgia had above normal rainfall for the period. By the end of April, central Georgia’s yearly rainfall was running over 2” above normal. The mean temperature in the region for the period was about 1.5 degrees above normal.

May through July were the wettest months of the year in Georgia. In fact, Atlanta only fell 0.06” shy of all time rainfall record for the May-June period with 17.28” of rain recorded. Also, Atlanta recorded the most rainfall ever in May with 9.94” reported. Macon reported the second wettest May- June period with 15.59” of rain recorded. Macon saw the second wettest June ever with 9.75” of rain recorded. In fact, from February to July, Georgia was the wettest it has ever been. Columbus and Macon reported the 3rd wettest February to July period ever. Temperatures were cooler than normal through this period. In Atlanta, the sixth latest occurrence for a 90 degree day occurred on July 8th. This was the only day to reach 90 degrees in Atlanta in July. Overall, mean temperatures in the state ran about a half a degree below normal.

A change to a drier and warmer pattern developed in August and lasted through November. August saw a sharp rise in temperature with most of the 90 degree days for the state occurring this month. These warm temperatures lasted into November when Atlanta reached 82 degrees on November 2nd tying for the 3rd warmest reading ever in November. Also, on November 5th, the all time warmest overnight low of 68 degrees was recorded. Overall, the mean temperature during this period was about 2 degrees above normal. November was the warmest month with readings running nearly 5 degrees above normal.

In December, a strong northwest flow set up across Georgia resulting in a much colder pattern. The state also remained dry with overall precipitation running about 2 inches below normal. Macon only received 1.92” of rain when they normally see 3.93” of rain. Monthly temperatures were much colder than normal with the mean temperature running around 3 degrees below normal.