A taste of summer’s full force is arriving in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity pushes heat index values close to — and in some locations above — 100 degrees through the weekend.
Apple farmers in North Georgia are watching the weather closely as a months-long drought raises concerns about the upcoming fall harvest.
In Gilmer County, home to Ellijay — known as the Apple Capital of Georgia — orchard owners say dry conditions are already putting stress on apple trees. Curled leaves, reduced moisture, and weakened tree health could all affect the size and quality of this year’s crop.
Agriculture experts say drought-stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease, fungus, and bacteria. Without enough rainfall, apple trees may produce lower yields and smaller fruit, and in more severe cases, some apples could fall from the trees before harvest.
Farmers say North Georgia has received more rain than some other parts of the state, but several areas remain in severe drought. Growers are hoping for more rain before the fall apple season begins.
Apple picking season in North Georgia traditionally begins around Labor Day weekend and continues through October.
Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative’s Swim Guide will return for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend.
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are heading into a hot, humid, and stormy stretch of weather that will continue through Memorial Day weekend and into early next week.
Northwest Georgia is heading into a mostly dry stretch of weather through the weekend, with no significant precipitation expected across the area.
A bridge replacement project in Chattooga County will soon impact local traffic, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected across north and central Georgia over the next seven days, but forecasters say the rain is not expected to bring much meaningful improvement to ongoing drought conditions.
As warmer weather settles into Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is gearing up for another season of water safety monitoring ahead of the busy summer months.













