Mean Season in Florida: Living on the Edge of Drought and Deluge

By Paul Rusnak|May 21, 2020

Even with April showers, relief from abnormally dry weather conditions has yet to come across much of Florida now well into May.

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Windy and extremely dry weather conditions were perfect fuel for this recent wildfire in Southwest Florida.
Photo courtesy of FDACS/Florida Forest Service
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This wildfire draws near a major roadway in Collier County, FL.
Photo courtesy of FDACS/Florida Forest Service
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Wildfires in Southwest Florida light up the night sky.
Photo courtesy of FDACS/Florida Forest Service

St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) reported rainfall last month averaged 4 inches districtwide, which is 1.4 inches above the long-term average for the month. In fact, the district’s northernmost counties were well above average, with Baker County receiving 6.6 inches, Duval County with 5.6 inches, and Nassau County with 6.9 inches of rain in April.

On the opposite end of the precipitation spectrum was Seminole, Orange, Flagler, and Volusia counties with the least rainfall, reporting between 2.5 inches to 3 inches.

April 2020 rainfall map of Florida's SJRWMD

Graphic courtesy of SJRWMD

According to SJRWMD, all counties within its 18-county region — except Brevard County — have a 12-month rainfall deficit. Putnam, Flagler, and St. Johns counties in the Northeast part of the state each have a 12-month deficit greater than 10 inches.

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Wildfires have been an issue during the back half of this year’s dry season, especially in parts of the Panhandle as well as Southwest Florida. Last week, two wildfires broke out in Central Collier County, west of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. These fires grew to nearly 9,000 acres.

NOAA recently reported that last month was the globe’s second-hottest April on record. For reference, that’s 141 years of data collecting.

The extra heat and extreme dry weather conditions also are adding more stress to crops and citrus trees that are already under pressure from pests and disease. The latest citrus crop estimates from USDA have included reduced numbers, likely due in part to extreme weather-related attrition.

Some natural balance should be restored soon with the onset of the wet season, right? The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. Forecasters are calling for above-normal campaign as climate conditions appear to be shifting from a dominant neutral phase more toward a growing La Niña.

The first named storm of the season (Arthur) just couldn’t wait for the calendar though as it formed off the East Coast of the state this past weekend, bringing modest rainfall to mostly parts of South Florida before moving up the East Coast toward North Carolina.

Has your farm been impacted by drought conditions this season?

Yes (100%, 3 Votes)
No (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 3

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Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor for Meister Media Worldwide's Specialty Crops Division, which consists of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.