SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — There's no question that we have been unseasonably warm lately, but there is a growing concern for drought conditions across Florida as we head into the next couple months.
Yes, we are in the dry season, but this dry season has been quite a bit drier than normal. The most immediate example is the lack of rainfall in March. Tampa International Airport has only received a trace (<0.01") of rain.
This puts us in position to tie for the driest March on record, not to mention the driest month in Tampa history.
The Drought Monitor now has nearly 90% of the state experiencing Abnormally Dry conditions. Abnormally Dry conditions is the precursor to the category that technically defines a drought. This is the first time we have seen this much of the state 'Abnormally Dry' since March 28, 2017.
In addition to the Drought Monitor, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index also reveals mounting concern in the southern half of the Florida for dry soil and surface fuels, which aids in the development and spread of brush fires.
Technically the dry season runs through May, which means that we have two months before we theoretically can expect significant relief. Something to note, April is normally the driest month of the year in Tampa Bay, averaging only 2.03" of rain. The driest month in Tampa Bay is typically November with an average of 1.55" of rain.
What has me a little concerned is that the drier and warmer than normal conditions are expected to continue. This would mean that through a time when we already don't get a lot of rain, it looks like we may not even get as much as we normally do. That combined with warmer than normal temperatures would suggest a better possibility of brush fires over the next couple of months.
Regardless, we are keeping a close eye on the conditions and will be sure to update you as we make our way toward the rainy season.
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