Climate change in Macon, Georgia
Climate change is affecting locations like Macon in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include more unusually warm days, heavier rain, and more intense hurricanes.
Explore these pages to learn how people in Macon are at risk in a warming world.
Since 1970, average annual temperatures in Macon have gotten 0.8°F warmer.
Warming puts people and ecosystems at risk from more frequent and intense extreme weather.
Overall, the contiguous U.S. is about 2.8°F warmer today than in 1970, based on average temperatures.
Data source: NOAA ACIS
Since 1970, Macon's annual precipitation has increased by 2.2 inches.
Climate change is supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
For every 1°F of warming, the air can hold 4% more moisture, increasing the chances of heavier downpours that contribute to flash flooding hazards.
Data source: NOAA ACIS
As of October 9, 2026, Macon has experienced 56 days this year with temperatures made twice as likely by climate change.
This is according to the Climate Shift Index (CSI), which quantifies the influence of human-caused climate change on daily average temperatures. Temperatures on these days had a CSI level 2 or higher, which indicates local temperatures were at least two times more likely due to climate change.
The CSI ranges from -5 to +5. Positive levels indicate temperatures made more likely due to climate change (while negative scores indicate conditions made less likely).
Data source: Climate Shift Index
Macon's climate threats in include:
Macon has experienced 9 more extremely hot days (with temperatures above 95.825°F) since 1970.
More frequent and intense extreme heat — the deadliest type of weather in the U.S. — is a direct result of a warming planet.
Extremely hot days are defined as days with maximum temperatures hotter than 95% of local temperatures from 1991-2020.
Data source: NOAA ACIS
Macon has experienced a 15% change in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970.
As the climate has warmed over recent decades, the most extreme precipitation days have become more intense across the U.S.
This data uses the simple hourly rainfall intensity index, or the total annual rainfall amount divided by the total hours of rainfall each year (inches per hour). An increase indicates more rain is falling per hour. NOAA’s Rain Rate Visualizer videos show various hourly rainfall rates.
Data source: NOAA ACIS
Between 1980 and 2025, Georgia experienced 27 billion-dollar hurricanes.
As the planet warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in devastating losses.
Tropical cyclones (which include hurricanes and tropical storms) are the most costly extreme weather events in the U.S.
This data shows the total number of hurricanes with at least one billion dollars in damages that occurred during 1980-2025.
Data source: U.S. Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
Explore some ways climate change is affecting Macon in fall
More warm fall days
Fall (September-November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.

Key concepts:
- Fall (September - November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.
- Warming is nationwide, strongest in the Southwest.
- Hotter falls extend risks from heat, wildfire, allergies, and more.
Heavier rainfall rates
Heavier rain threatens people, ecosystems, and infrastructure nationwide.

Key concepts:
- Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, driving heavier rainfall and flood risk.
- 126 U.S. cities (88%) have seen an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970.
- Increases have occurred in every U.S. region but are highest in the Upper Midwest, Northern Rockies & Plains, and Ohio Valley.
- Heavier rain threatens people, ecosystems, and infrastructure nationwide.
More intense hurricanes
Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger hurricanes.

Key concepts:
- Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger Atlantic hurricanes with heavier rain and higher storm surge.
- Rising seas amplify storm surge, increasing risks for coastal residents.
- Warmer air holds more moisture, driving heavier downpours and flooding.
Impacts to food prices
Extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains.

Key concepts:
- Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
- Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
- The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.
More graphics about Macon and climate change
Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for Macon, available for download and use consistent with our Terms of use.