March is almost over, and only a few drops of rain have fallen in Tampa the entire month.
With little-to-no rain in the forecast the rest of the month, it may end up being only the third time in recorded weather history that Tampa only received a trace of rain for the month of March (also done in 2006 and 1907).
The entire year has been dry. Just 2.91 inches of rain has fallen in Tampa for 2020. This is less than half of the normal rainfall -- with Tampa now 4.29 inches below normal in the rain gauge. Last year, we had nearly nine inches of rain by this point in the year. This shortage has Tampa Bay moving toward a potential drought.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting for conditions to get worse. Its forecast is for much of Tampa Bay to get elevated into drought status (see the map below).
This is also the time of year that we need to start watching for wildfires. The hot and dry weather is often a recipe for wildfires. We're starting to transition into a time of year that's between the last rain-making wintertime cold front and when the daily sea breezes start bringing thunderstorms every afternoon.
- Florida State Parks closed beginning March 23 to follow CDC guidelines
- HART offers free rides for students to get breakfast and lunch
- Tampa mayor: 'Stay-at-home' order extremely likely by early next week
- Gas prices hit a four year low
- "Hands...washing hands.." Neil Diamond posts coronavirus-themed version of 'Sweet Caroline'
- This interactive map shows coronavirus cases in Florida
- Coronavirus resources: Hotlines, websites offer the latest on COVID-19
https://tinyurl.com/rqxbo33FREE 10NEWS APP:
