Dry Season Dangers Not On The Radar For South Florida

As the dry season settles in across the Sunshine State, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) managers are anticipating a low risk of drought conditions or water supply shortages in the coming months.

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Water levels are near the top of their normal ranges to start the dry season because of heavy rainfall at the start of 2016 and near-average wet season rainfall (including Hurricane Matthew), according to SFWMD officials.

June 2 to Nov. 1, 2016 rainfall map of South Florida

The last 12 months (Nov. 15 – Oct 16.) was the wettest 12-month period since 1994-1995 and the second wettest 12-month period since 1959-1960. The wettest January since 1932 and near -average rainfall for much of the 16-county region during the wet season, spanning June 1 to Oct. 31, sustained water levels.

An average of 33.13 inches fell between Orlando and the Florida Keys during the wet season, representing 96% of average, or just 1.26 inches below average.  The wet season ended with below-average October rainfall, with 3.21 inches representing 80% of average, or 0.80 inches below average.

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