Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions in Florida. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, between May 30 and June 6, several areas of the state have moved down in their drought categories.
Throughout May, much of the state was in “moderate” or “severe” drought condition. In the beginning of May, an area north of Lake Okeechobee entered an “extreme” drought level. Wildfires ripped through the state as dryness continued. Several counties issued burn bans to avoid wildfires from breaking out. Southwest Florida had issues with whitefly outbreaks due to the drought as well.
However, the state has seen a substantial amount of rain coming into June. Although most of Florida is still abnormally dry, there are no areas in “extreme” drought. Furthermore, counties are beginning to lift burn bans across the state, allowing growers to resume controlled burning practices.
As June and the hurricane season progresses, Florida can expect much more rain activity than last month, ideally leading to the end of “severe” drought conditions.
View a comparison map of Florida’s drought conditions here.
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