Scattered rains may continue today, but this week’s precipitation is a far cry from the amount needed to relieve drought conditions.
    Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn addressed local drought concerns Monday in an email sent to public safety workers and others.
    “As you can see and probably don’t need reminding, Bulloch County falls within the ‘extreme’ drought area, effective May 1,” he said. “We have been in that category for some time now. ...”
    Counties northwest of Bulloch are even worse, falling into the “exceptional” drought category.
    The concern is how some areas are dropping in rainfall percentage over last year, he said. According to information from the National Weather Service (www.noaa.gov), the area of Georgia that includes Bulloch County has received between 50 percent and 70 percent of normal rainfall so far this year.
    National Weather Service meteorologist Ron Morales said that while the rainfall Bulloch County enjoyed this week will help, much more is needed.
    “Just getting a few days’ rain is not going to end the drought,” he said. “But we may have more coming in just a few days.”
    Today, showers and thunderstorms are expected, especially in the afternoon. Severe weather is possible, he said. The rain could continue into the night, but the rest of the week and weekend is expected to be dry and slightly cooler than the toasty temperatures experienced last week.
    More rain could move in by early next week, Morales said.
    Wynn reminded residents that water conservation efforts are important during drought conditions, and the dry weather and low soil moisture can increase fire dangers when people burn debris.
    “Based on the recent census, Bulloch County falls into a new category on outdoor burning,” he said. “This mainly affects land clearing for development.”
    Further information and burn permits can be obtained by calling the Bulloch County office of the Georgia Forestry Commission at (912) 681-5920.
     
     Holli Deal Bragg maybe reached at (912) 489-9414.