Volatile spring/summer: exceptional drought, wildfires, heat records, algae, invasives, fish kill, wildlife crossings research, coastal clean energy push

Drought improving but Helene debris multi-year fuel concern. Heat wave continues; heat index up to 112°F; Savannah opened cooling facilities July 12. New article (WABE/Grist, July 23) directly links brutal heat to climate change. Floodwater carrying toxic chemicals from Superfund sites near homes (Semona Holmes story) ties climate to legacy pollution. West Nile mosquitoes detected in metro Atlanta (Grant Park area) July 10, and CSRA alert. Minor sewer spill near Lake Mayer Park (3,800 gal). Saturated ground causing tree falls. Scattered storms with damaging winds up to 60 mph expected in North Georgia Sunday. Strong to severe storms in Upstate/NE GA. First Alert Sunday for CSRA severe thunderstorms. New expert advice on ticks and mosquitoes after drought-breaking rains. North Georgia flash flooding; Canadian wildfire smoke affecting Central GA air quality. Tropical Storm Bertha brought rain; now dangerous heat returns to South Georgia after Bertha's rain bands, heat indices near 105. Story Map - Climate Resilient ATL provides climate vulnerability assessment for Atlanta. New article: Cuts to federal agencies like FEMA will put Georgians at risk. FEMA approves additional $26M for Helene recovery (total $63M). New article on urban forests as flood mitigation (Chatham County). Flood Watch issued for North Georgia through Thursday/Friday due to saturated ground. Georgia peach season ending early due to March frost (Dickey Farms). DNR urban deer dilemma – community bowhunt program in Peachtree City. Atrium Health doctor shares heart health tips for extreme heat. New: Climate change is fueling Georgia's brutal heat wave (July 23 article). New: Sharks are moving into new waters – climate-driven range shifts, Georgia shark bite this year (July 24). New: Flood watch for metro Atlanta with sticky humidity and afternoon commute impacts (July 24). New: Article 'See how climate change is altering the rhythms of Georgia wildlife' (July 24) – compiles shifts in fire ants, ticks, bird migration; useful explainer for local audiences. New: Explainer on extreme event attribution science (July 24) – provides background for understanding heat wave and storm links to climate change. New: NWS hazardous weather outlook warns of heavy rain, lightning, and flash flooding risk for north/central GA (July 24). New: UGA research on drought impacts on carbon cycling (Locke) – ties to current drought/heat wave context (July 24).