Welcome rain is expected to come to Florida over the weekend, easing the current high risks of wildfires and dry conditions.
Will it be enough? Probably not, AccuWeather forecasters said, but it might help.
“While most areas in the Southeast states need several days of reasonable soaking rain, which has not happened, or likely to do so soon, any rain will help to knock down the wildfire threat in the short term,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said.
Severe drought conditions across the entire state — along with plenty of dead fuel, low humidity and winds — have brought a lot of wildfires to Florida, with more expected. Most Florida counties are under a burn ban, and several counties have been under red flag warnings this week.
Smoke from a 30,000-acre wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve closed a 57-mile stretch of Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley, on Wednesday night. About 20 other active wildfires have been reported across the state.
A front extending from the southern Mid-Atlantic southwestward to the Western Gulf Coast will slowly move southeastward to Southern Florida by Saturday evening, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters expect significant rain in the northern parts of the Panhandle, with showers and possible thunderstorms across the rest of the state from Friday evening through early Saturday.
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
Map: Wildfire risks in Florida
Map: Current drought conditions in Florida
Will it rain anytime soon in Florida? See the radar
Map: See current burn bans in Florida
Can’t see the map? Open in a new browser.
Weather alerts issued in Florida
How to protect your home from wildfires
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Division of Forestry recommend creating “defensible space” around your home to help protect it from wildfires.
➤ Daytona wildfire forces evacuation of 80 homes
“By properly maintaining your landscape and allowing at least 30 feet of space around your home, you can reduce potential wildfire hazards.”
Here are more tips:
Within 30 feet of your home
30-60 feet from your home
60-100 feet from your home
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text
What’s next?
We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site’s app to ensure you’re always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
C. A. Bridges and Cheryl McCloud are journalists for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tcpalm.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Rain is coming tonight to Florida. Will it be enough to stop wildfires?
Reporting by C. A. Bridges and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
