Historical climatic conditions at Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA

Average annual rainfall is 132.6 cm (52.2 in), with about 40% of the annual precipitation occurring in the three summer months (Jun - Aug) deposited largely in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. In the recent past (1998 - 2002), drought conditions have existed on Sapelo and on the Georgia coast in general. During the period January 1999 through June 2001, we measured rainfall and other environmental variables in marshes located within the lower, middle and upper reaches of the Duplin River on Sapelo Island. Total average annual rainfall at those locations was 111.6 cm (43.9 in) and 80.4 cm (31.7 in) in 1999 and 2000, substantially below the long-term average for the area. Conditions through the first half of 2001 were similar to those in 1999.

As of February 2003, the drought in the northern and western portions of Georgia had eased, but groundwater had yet to be fully recharged. Conditions in coastal Georgia, including Sapelo Island, were still considered to be abnormally dry. However, by March 2003 conditions were returning to normal and drought conditions were no longer forecast at least through June 2003 (see the National Drought Monitor).