Atlanta, Georgia – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 may bring below-normal precipitation across Georgia, increasing the likelihood of a drier-than-average late winter month statewide.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Georgia is placed in a below-normal precipitation category for February 2026. This designation indicates a higher probability that total rainfall will fall below long-term February averages.
The dry signal covers much of the state, including north, central, and southern Georgia. While cold fronts and passing systems may still produce occasional rain, the outlook suggests fewer widespread or soaking rainfall events than typically observed during February.
CPC monthly outlooks do not provide storm-specific forecasts or rainfall totals. Instead, they assess how overall precipitation for the month may compare to historical norms. For Georgia, below-normal precipitation often means longer dry intervals between weather systems.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate above-normal temperatures across much of the Southeast, including Georgia. This warmer pattern, combined with reduced rainfall, may increase short-term drought concerns and elevate wildfire risk, particularly in inland and agricultural areas.
February typically represents a transition period toward spring across Georgia. The February 2026 outlook suggests that transition may skew drier than usual, especially if warmer conditions persist through the month.
Residents, farmers, water managers, and wildfire agencies across Georgia are encouraged to monitor updated outlooks as February approaches, particularly if dry conditions extend into early spring.
