More than 17 million people in Florida, 84% of the state, are suffering from drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought, according to NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System.
Two areas of extreme drought exist in the state, with the largest in South Florida extending from coast to coast and now stretching north. The two areas are close to combining.
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Rainfall over the Mother’s Day weekend is expected to help drought conditions in the state, although another period of dry weather is expected toward the end of the same week.
As of May 8, there were 66 wildfires burning 1,564 acres, according to the Florida Fire Service.
There are 23 counties under burn bans, almost one-third of the state’s 67 counties.
The mean statewide drought index is at 466, with recent rains helping bring the overall numbers lower.
Extreme drought conditions expand across Florida
NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System said 84.2 percent of Florida is under drought conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme.
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The breakdown of drought conditions in the state, which affects 17.2 million residents, is:
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See the map: Active wildfires reported across Florida
Will it rain today in Florida?
Florida weather forecast through Mother’s Day weekend
When is Florida’s rainy season?
Historically, Florida’s rainy season begins between mid May and early June, according to the National Weather Service.
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Current drought conditions in Florida
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index mean for Florida was 466 on May 8. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.
As of May 8, there were 9 counties with a drought index over 600, which means severe drought conditions and an increased risk for wildfires:
23 counties in Florida under burn bans
According to the Florida Forest Service, as of May 8, 23 burn bans are in place for the following counties:
The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties:
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Extreme drought conditions in Florida expanding. Will weekend rain help?
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
