Storm Season Off To Extra-Soggy Start In South Florida

Posted by Paul Rusnak|June 2, 2016

Coming off the wettest dry season in nearly 60 years, South Florida is not likely to get a rainfall reprieve anytime soon — especially with Tropical Storm Colin adding to the rain gauge. The region experienced above-average rainfall in May, according to South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) officials. A total of 7.11 inches of rain fell Districtwide, representing 187% of average or 3.30 inches above average.

All 16 counties in SFWMD saw above-average rainfall for the month, with the Kissimmee and Caloosahatchee River as well as Martin and St. Lucie county basins recording the wettest conditions.

Lake Okeechobee also was among the wettest locations, receiving 7.33 inches of direct rainfall, representing 236% of average or 4.22 inches above average.
Other rainfall totals included:

Palm Beach County recorded 6.52 inches of rain, representing 146% of average or 2.05 inches above average.
Eastern Broward County was the only area near average in South Florida, with 5.25 inches of rain, representing 105% of average or 0.23 inches above average.
Eastern Miami-Dade County recorded 6.97 inches of rain, representing 139% of average or 1.95 inches above average.
The Southwest Coast recorded 5.37 inches of rain, representing 147% of average or 1.72 inches above average.

The 2015-2016 South Florida dry season was the wettest November through May since 1957-1958 and the second wettest since recordkeeping began in 1932. Districtwide, 29.49 inches of rain fell, representing 168%of average, or 11.98 inches above average.