2007 Weather Summary

In August, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels. On the 8th, the high temperature reached 100 F in Atlanta for the first time in nearly 7 years. Then, on the 13th, while reaching the century mark for the fifth time, Atlanta tied July of 1980 for the most 100 degree temperatures in any month. The record breaking heat went on through the 23rd to either tie or establish 9 record high temperatures which included 4 more 100+ degree readings. The 104 degrees achieved on the 22nd set the record for any August and barely missed the all time record high in the capital city by a single degree. Also on the 22nd, Athens experienced a high temperature of 106 F which tied the record high for the date, but missed the record for August by just one degree. By the end of the month, Atlanta had experienced its warmest month ever with an average monthly temperature of 85.6 degrees. Similarly, Athens tied its warmest month of July �93, while Columbus recorded its warmest August and their 3rd warmest month, followed by Macon tying its warmest August and equaling their 4th warmest month ever. With respect to precipitation, both Columbus and Macon recorded surpluses of 0.63 and 2.36 inches, respectively, while Atlanta and Athens posted deficits of 0.19 and 2.06 inches, respectively. This oppressive heat combined with spotty and infrequent late day convective activity led to much of north and west Georgia being upgraded to an exceptional drought by the end of August.

Milder than average temperatures and below average precipitation dominated through September and October. All four cities recorded a positive departure from normal in the average monthly temperature as well as a deficit in rainfall for both months. In September, Athens measured slightly more than a half inch (0.53") of rainfall while posting an average temperature of 76.4 F or +3.8 above their monthly average. This ranked as the12th warmest and 6th driest September on record for Athens. The above average departures were even greater in October, ranging from +2.8 degrees in Columbus to +4.6 degrees F. in Athens. Again, rainfall was scarce with both Columbus (1.49") and Macon (1.29") receiving less than an inch and a half for the month.

A series of polar fronts arriving in early, mid, and late November finally brought a return to seasonable temperatures for northern and central Georgia. It was the first time since July in which all four cities posted a monthly temperature below their average reading. Early morning freezing temperatures occurring around the 8th, 16th, 24th, and 28th contributed to departures from average ranging from -0.2 degrees F. in Atlanta to -1.5 degrees F. in Columbus. However, these fronts interacted with rather dry air masses and produced generally light amounts of precipitation. For the 3rd consecutive month, all four cities recorded rainfall deficits. With less than an inch (0.96") of total precipitation, Atlanta recorded its 3rd driest November since 1960, and the10th drier than normal month of the year. Macon fared only a little better receiving just 1.19" inches for the month which was over 2 inches below average. By the end of November, yearly rainfall deficits were approaching 20 inches in Atlanta and Athens and both were challenging 1954 for the driest year on record.

The dry conditions continued into early December as unseasonably mild temperatures once again returned to Georgia. The warmth was so persistent that by the 9th, record high temperatures were set in all 4 cities. By reaching 76 F., Atlanta exceeded the previous high temperature for the date by 5 degrees. Macon surpassed its previous high temperatures for the day by 2 degrees with a balmy 80 degrees. Atlanta went on to set new record highs on three consecutive days, while Athens set new records on the 9th and 10th, then tied two more on the 11th and 13th. In a 5 day period, a total of eleven record high temperatures were either equaled or exceeded. Temperatures cooled to more seasonable readings by mid-December but generally remained above average through the end of the year. Again, all four cities posted an average monthly temperature well above normal with Atlanta, Athens, and Macon exceeding their mark by 5 degrees or more. This was enough for all three to record their 9th warmest December on record. By year�s end, Atlanta had experienced their 2nd warmest year on record, while Athens tied 1990 for 4th warmest. However, one remarkable change occurred by mid month which brought a reprieve to the drought conditions. A fast westerly flow with a series of upper level waves began to periodically tap gulf moisture which resulted in extended bands of precipitation crossing Georgia. In the last 17 days, Atlanta and Athens recorded 4.59"and 5.18 inches of rainfall, respectively. It was just enough, by .05" to prevent Atlanta from establishing their driest year on record, while Athens missed the same fate by 2.90 inches.