Local Update
Augusta Area Rain Has Run Below Normal for Four Months
Rain in the Augusta area fell short of normal from June through September 2026, and all of Richmond County is abnormally dry.
Posted October 8, 2026. Sources last checked October 8, 2026.
What the Drought Data Shows
The U.S. Drought Monitor publishes a weekly map and county numbers. This table follows Richmond County through 2026.
| Map date (2026) | Worst level in the county | Share in drought (moderate or worse) |
|---|---|---|
| January 20 | Moderate | 100% |
| March 24 | Moderate | 64.8% |
| May 5 | Severe | 100% |
| May 26 | Severe | 100% |
| June 16 | Moderate | 51.3% |
| July 7 | Abnormally dry only | 0% |
| October 6 | Abnormally dry only | 0% |
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor county data, checked October 8, 2026. May 5 shows 100% of the county in severe drought or worse.
Drought left the county by early July. Since the September 8 map, all of Richmond County has been abnormally dry. That is the step before drought.
How Much Rain Augusta Has Had
NOAA climate records for the Augusta area show a very wet May, then four months below normal. June through September added up to 10.96 inches, against a normal of 17.44.
| Month (2026) | Rain | Normal |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.35 in | 3.84 in |
| February | 3.74 in | 3.67 in |
| March | 1.93 in | 4.08 in |
| April | 0.99 in | 2.92 in |
| May | 7.28 in | 3.05 in |
| June | 4.00 in | 4.75 in |
| July | 2.36 in | 4.48 in |
| August | 2.40 in | 4.61 in |
| September | 2.20 in | 3.60 in |
Source: the NOAA regional climate data service, Augusta Area record, checked October 8, 2026. Recent numbers are provisional.
Through October 7 the record shows 0.39 inches for the month, from rain on October 4 and 5.
The State Drought Response
On April 27, 2026, Georgia EPD declared a statewide Drought Response Level 1. It applies to public water systems that use surface water, groundwater or both.
At Level 1, water systems must run a public information campaign about conserving water. Outdoor watering between 4 PM and 10 AM stays allowed.
EPD says nothing in its notice about when Level 1 ends. We could not confirm whether it is still in effect.
How Dry Weather Plays Out in Local Soils
The USDA soil survey was sampled at 25 land points in Richmond County. At 24 of them the shrink and swell rating is low.
Nine of the 25 points are sandy soils that drain fast. Six are on floodplain soils rated as frequently flooded, and four are poorly drained.
Here, dry weather may matter less for soil movement than where water goes when it does rain. Fast-draining sand can wash out around a footing, and low ground can stay wet.
A sample is not a lot. Soil changes from one lot to the next.
What to Check Around Your Place
These are simple checks, not an inspection.
- Look at downspouts: Make sure they are clear and send water away from the foundation. Dry weather is a good time to fix them before the next heavy rain.
- Look at the soil next to the walls: Note any gaps, washed out spots, or low places where water could pool.
- Watch for new cracks: Take a dated photo with a ruler next to each crack and look again in a few weeks.
- Notice doors and windows: A door that starts to stick can be an early sign.
If a crack grows or a door keeps sticking, ask a licensed contractor or a structural engineer to look at it. You can also request a free estimate.
Learn more about drainage and water control in Augusta, GA, foundation inspection and structural evaluation in Augusta, GA and foundation repair in Hephzibah, GA. You can also request a free estimate in Augusta, GA. The work is performed by licensed and insured contractors.
This post is general information. It is not an inspection, a diagnosis, or engineering advice.
Augusta Dry Weather Questions
Is Richmond County in a drought?
The Drought Monitor map for October 6, 2026 lists all of Richmond County as abnormally dry, the step before drought. The county was in severe drought in May. The map updates every week.
Is Georgia still in a drought response?
Georgia EPD declared a statewide Drought Response Level 1 on April 27, 2026. We could not confirm whether it is still in effect. Check the EPD website or Augusta Utilities for the current status.
Can dry weather crack a foundation in Augusta, GA?
The USDA soil survey shows that most sampled soil in Richmond County has low shrink and swell. That does not rule out other causes of movement. We cannot say what a dry spell did to your lot without seeing it.
Sources
All sources were opened and checked on October 8, 2026.
- U.S. Drought Monitor: Richmond County weekly statistics, January to October 2026.
- Georgia EPD, "Georgia Environmental Protection Division Declares Drought Response Level 1," April 27, 2026.
- NOAA Applied Climate Information System: monthly rain and normals for the Augusta area, January to October 7, 2026 (provisional).
- USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey: soil data sampled for Richmond County.
Contact Us Today for a Free Estimate
Call (706) 903-3330 or send the form. A licensed and insured contractor can look at what you found and give you a free estimate.