ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Most of the Southeast United States has received beneficial rainfall over the past couple of weeks, with the HRAP 4km 14-Day Precipitation Anomaly map valid at 12z Tuesday May 26, 2026 showing widespread above-normal precipitation percentages across the region — but forecasters are clear that despite the progress, many areas will still need an additional 6 to 12 inches of rain, and some areas 18 inches or more, to fully end the ongoing drought.
Above Normal Rainfall Percentages Spread Across Tennessee, Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic
The 14-Day Precipitation Anomaly map shows broad blue shading covering much of Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky, and the mid-Atlantic corridor, with percentage values of 150 to 300 percent of normal visible across large portions of this region. These values confirm that the recent wet pattern has delivered significantly above-average rainfall relative to historical norms for this two-week period.
Parts of the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic are showing some of the highest anomaly values on the map, with figures reaching 295, 310, and higher in localized areas, reflecting the multi-day heavy rainfall events that have impacted the region over the past two weeks.
Drought Still Deeply Entrenched Across Parts of the Deep South and Gulf Coast
Despite the beneficial rainfall progress, the map reveals that parts of the Deep South and Gulf Coast are still showing near-normal or even below-normal precipitation anomaly values, highlighted in white and light shading across portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. These areas remain most deeply entrenched in drought conditions and will require the most additional rainfall to see meaningful drought recovery.
Forecasters note that many areas across the Southeast will still need 6 to 12 inches of additional rain above normal, with some of the most drought-impacted zones requiring 18 inches or more before drought conditions are fully eliminated from the region.
Wet and Unsettled Pattern Expected to Continue for at Least the Next 10 to 15 Days
The encouraging news is that the wet and unsettled weather pattern driving the beneficial rainfall across the Southeast is expected to persist for at least the next 10 to 15 days. While not every location will see rain every single day, forecasters emphasize that any rainfall anywhere across the drought-impacted Southeast contributes meaningfully to drought recovery progress.
Residents across the region should welcome the continued wet pattern while remaining alert to flash flood potential on days when heavier rainfall events develop.
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