60% of Georgia’s streams are at record low levels.

37% of the state of Georgia is suffering exceptional drought conditions.

Over 50% of the state is classified as either extreme of exceptional drought.

Now, please tell us how the drought is affecting you or your business. Instead of a question send us your drought story.

Q: During June '05, approx. dates 6,7,& 8 there were a host of electrical storms in the Marietta (east cobb) area. I wanted to know what is the best resource to confirm these dates.... I have an insurance claim and there is a discrepancy re: the prescence of lighting strikes in this area. Any info would be appreciated.

A: For past lightning data you can access past cloud to ground lighting strikes for a specific date at this web site: https://thunderstorm.vaisala.com/# . Vaisala is the company that operates the U.S. National Lighting Detection Network.

For other past weather data, an official report can be ordered from the National Climatic Data Center at www.ncdc.noaa.gov .

Regards,
Brad Nitz

Q: Could you post a 30 day forecast on your website?
I know any forecast is subject to change, but it would be nice to know especially for planning activities. I am really interested in the Georgia area for the 30 day outlook. Thanks!!

A: The computer models we use to make forecasts typically only cover the next few days, a few go out more than a week. However, these longer term forecasts are usually much less reliable than a forecast for the next few days.

When looking out 30 days or more it is possible to get an idea of general conditions, such as temperature or precipitation departures from average. These outlooks plus more information on how this is done and can be found at: www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

Regards,
Brad Nitz

Q: Hi, my name is Nicholas and I'm a 6th grader @ Central Middle School in Carrollton, GA. I would like to know if you could help me with my science project. What exactly does a meteorologist do? and What do I have to do to become a meteorologist? If you could answer these questions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Nicholas

A: A meteorologist is someone who studies the weather. Some work to make forecasts, other do research to advance the understanding of the atmosphere. Meteorologists who work on television spend their day preparing forecasts and making the maps you see on TV. Only a small part of our time working is actually on TV.

To become a meteorologist a strong background in math and physical sciences, would be helpful. In college you can pursue a degree in meteorology to prepare for your career. The American Meteorological Society has prepared a career guide for people interested in the field. It can be accessed here: www.ametsoc.org/atmoscareers/index.html .

Regards,
Brad Nitz

ATLANTA -- Channel 2 Action News Anchor Jovita Moore and Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns, report on Georgia’s water crisis and its effects on every family, home and community as the drought continues to get worse.

“The water crisis in Georgia is important enough for us to go in-depth and provide thirty minutes of coverage,” said Marian Pittman, News Director. “We are reporting on the water crisis almost daily, but it takes more time to put it all into context. So Channel 2 Action News will provide in-depth coverage with perspective and conservation ideas viewers can use every day.”

Moore reveals which local areas may not have any drinking water in 3 months time. Then she asks tough questions about how the State has managed this precious resource. Channel 2 shows viewers why South Georgia doesn’t have to conserve water like North Georgia. Plus, the special examines the strain development and growth has put on the local water supply.

From Severe Weather Center 2, Burns tracks Georgia’s drastic climate change and rain deficits. He also lays out the long range forecast including the critical winter months and what we can expect in 2008.

“I am always amazed how we take one of our most vital resources for granted. We live in a blessed region of the country, but until we address our long term water needs, we are vulnerable,” said Bill Hoffman, Vice President and General Manager of WSB-TV.

Channel 2 delivers in-depth coverage so that every Georgian will be aware of this critical situation. It’s part of Channel 2’s community commitment during this ongoing crisis.

WHAT: “Georgia’s Water Crisis” Presented in high definition.
WHO: Jovita Moore and Glenn Burns
WHEN: Sunday, October 14 @ 6:30 p.m.

Q: After the La Nina dissipates will our weather begin to be more normal? Will we get more rain in the spring (if La Nina has gone away by then)? And lastly, will we see any cool nights before Thanksgiving? This heat has got to go!!!

A: La nina expected to continue into late spring. Below average rainfall likely thru at least May. We will have cool periods this fall and winter but overall it will be warmer and drier than normal.

Q: What was Glen Burns winter forcastoutlook?

A: A warmer than normal and drier than normal winter.
GB

Q: How many years of data go into calculating the daily high and low temperatures?
How much will the 100+ temperatures affect the average high temperatures for next August?
A: It is based on the average temps over the last 30 years and will no doubt be factored into next summers averages. Glenn Burns

Q: As a storm chaser myself what is the estimated of days a year with severe weather in the Atlanta Metro area?

A: In Atlanta we average about 50 days per year with thunderstorms, of course most of those storms aren't severe.

I don't have any numbers on severe weather frequency limited to Atlanta, but there is a report from the Peachtree City, GA National Weather Service office on the frequency over North Georgia.

On average in this area, damaging winds occur 19 days per year and large hail 7 days per year. There are also 6 tornadoes per year in this area. For the full report click on this link:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/html/svrclim.shtml

Q: When does the Fall allergy season peak? When does it end? Soon I hope. Thanks.

A: Ragweed is the primary pollen in the fall. The season lasts about 6-8 weeks. ...mid August through November. Peak season is September. The pollen season lasts until the first frost.

Q: Since the paper no longer posts the rainfall for each of the surrounding towns where can I obtain this data?

A: One way to get daily rainfall information for our area is to go to the climate section of the local National Weather Service forecast office (http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=ffc). Select the State Summary product for daily statewide temperature and precipitation reports. This report comes out every morning.
Brad

Q: Where can I find a long-term forecast and a long-term precipitation forecast?

A: One of the best places to look is at the Climate Prediction Center's web site: www.cpc.noaa.gov/
Here you will find forecasts out to 3 months.

Q: what is the direction of the prevailing wind in atlanta?

A: The prevailing wind for Atlanta is West. I would say in the winter months it shifts more to the NW and in the summer, more to the SW.
Thanks for watching.
David Chandley

Q: Are the heat islands that form around cities like Atlanta strong enough to move the jet stream away from the city? Can heat islands alter weather?

A: No the heat island effect is not strong enough to alter the jet stream, but it does alter local weather. We find here in Atlanta that the heat island, or heat dome, has a direct impact on high and low temperatures in the city (hotter in the day and warmer in the evening) and the heat island will redirect the movement of showers and t-storms. Weather is fluid like water and will often find the path of least resistance, the urban heat island is difficult to penetrate, so the storms move around. Thanks for watching.
David Chandley
WSB-TV

Q: How do I find the high and the low for today?

A: You need Look no further than WSBTV.com!

Click on the weather tab. Along the left side you will see current conditions, below this you will find Today’s Almanac (lots of good stuff here). Under “search for historical data” enter the date that you would like the max and min temperatures for then just click on “Go”. You can get all kinds of weather stats here including conditions by the hour.

Q: When was the highest pollen count recorded?

A: As a sufferer of allergies, I consider pollen, an arch enemy. I found a list of the highest spring pollen counts on the website of the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

1. 4/12/99 6013 count
2. 4/03/06 5861 count
3. 4/14/96 5682 count

Over 12o is extremely high.

Q: What are the watering restrictions for the Athens area and who would I need to get in touch with in my area for other/future questions?

A: I got this from the Athens-Clarke County web site. http://www.athensclarkecounty.com

• Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
• All outdoor landscape watering is prohibited on Fridays.
• Spray irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Drip irrigation and or hand watering are not subject to the hourly limits of the outdoor landscape watering schedule, but must comply with the standard odd-even day’s schedule.

Q: Does Alabama get a lot more rain than Georgia?  It seems like rain systems just dissipate as they cross the Alabama border or go north or south of Atlanta.  A frustrated gardener.

A: It can seem that way.  Alabama is a little closer to the Gulf, our primary source of the moist warm air that feeds our thunderstorms.  The upper air stream or jet stream that steers these storms will sometimes direct them away from Atlanta.  Also, when our air is drier and more stable, storms will die out before reaching us.

Let’s take a quick look at some normal rainfall measurements. Between January 1^st and March 14th the average rainfall for Atlanta is 12.58”. The average for Birmingham is actually slightly less at 12.36”. On average March is Atlanta’s wettest month with 5.38”. Birmingham, AL average annual rainfall is 53.99", Atlanta, GA average annual rainfall is 50.38"

For average rainfall specific you your location go here: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/images

Q: What is the difference on breezy and windy?

A: About 5 miles per hour. Breezy is generally 5 to 10 mile an hour winds and there is “No Discernable Threat to Life and Property from High Wind”. Windy is on the order of 20 miles per hour and there is “A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from High Wind”.
* From the National Weather Service on Melbourne, FL.