Prepared by Lydia Stefanova, Daniel J. Brouillette, and David F. Zierden.
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Average temperatures were  above normal across the state in December. The departures from average temperatures in December 2016 were well above normal across the entire state, ranging from +4.8˚F in Fort Lauderdale to +7.0˚F in Tallahassee (Table 1 and Appendix 1). Despite the warm December temperatures, minimum temperatures at or below freezing occurred on several nights in the northern portion of the state. December 2016 was the 2nd warmest in Key West, Miami, Fort Myers, 3rd warmest in Tampa, and 4th warmest in West Palm Beach and Orlando.  Multiple maximum and high minimum temperature records were tied or broken across the state in December. In the interest of space, only the broken records are displayed in Appendix 2.

Table 1: December average temperatures and departures from normal (˚F) for selected cities.

Rainfall totals in December were varied across the state. Most of the Western Florida Panhandle and the Gold Coast received above-normal rainfall for the month, while most of the remainder of the state received below-normal amounts (Figure 1). Departures from normal ranged from -2.47” in St. Petersburg to +5.07” in Pensacola (Table 2 and Appendix 1), though localized parts of the state saw rainfall totals that were as much as 3.00” below normal to 8.00” above normal (Figure 1).  December 2016 was the 6th wettest on record for Pensacola There were several 24-hour precipitation records broken for the month (Table 3).

Table 2: December precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities.

Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for December is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).

La Niña Conditions are Present in the Pacific.

Based on current data and forecast models, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will keep the ENSO Alert System at an La Niña Advisory. La Niña conditions are present, and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) continue to be below average in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Computer model predictions favor a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions sometime during Spring 2017. The CPC outlook for January 2017 through March 2017 favors below average precipitation and above average temperatures across the state.

Hazardous Weather Events in December.

There were a total of 33 severe weather reports made in Florida during December, making for a second relatively quiet month in a row (for a breakdown by event type see Table 4, compiled from data collected by the Southeast Regional Climate Center at http://sercc.com/lsr). The largest fraction of hazardous weather reports concerned high winds in the Pensacola area and along the Space Coast mid-day of December 6th. Lightning strikes were reported on the 4th in the western Panhandle, striking two different residences, and a fatal lightning strike was reported on the 13th in Escambia County.  Dense fog with visibility under a quarter of a mile was reported in the early hours of 12th and 13th in several locations in South Florida.

Table 4: Breakdown of storm reports submitted in Florida during the month of December (Compiled from Southeast Regional Climate Center.)

Drought Related Impacts. 

At the end of November, most of peninsular Florida was drought-free, and the Panhandle was experiencing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions, generally worsening from the east to the west. Approximately 17% of the state was under abnormally dry (D0) conditions, 7% under moderate drought (D1), 10% under severe drought (D2), and another 7% under extreme drought (D3) conditions. Rains over the first few weeks of December significantly improved conditions in the western Panhandle, most notably in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties where D3 conditions were replaced with drought-free, or at most abnormally dry classification. At the same time, persistent rain deficits have led to abnormally dry conditions setting in most of peninsular Florida, with the exception of most of Dade and some of Broward and Monroe Counties. By the end of the month about 9% of the state is completely drought free, 77% is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and 14% (including most of Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Taylor, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties, as well as portions of Escambia, Jackson, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Columbia, and Baker Counties) is experiencing moderate drought. In all, the moderate drought conditions are affecting some 550,000 Florida citizens. The water level in Lake Okeechobee is down to about d to about 14.25’, which is slightly below the long-term average value for this time of the year.

Agriculture Related Impacts. 

At the beginning of December, topsoil moisture levels ranged from adequate (40% of soils) to short (25%) or very short (34%) values. As the month progressed, rains in the Panhandle delivered some much-needed moisture to the region, leading to an overall improvement in soil moisture levels. At the same time, peninsular Florida saw a deficit of rainfall and a reduction in soil moisture levels. In all, the month ended on a better note, with 47% of soils reporting adequate moisture levels, 33% - short, and 15% - very short. Temperatures across the citrus growing area have been very warm, and canals and ditches are at low levels because of low rainfall amounts over the past couple of months. Growers are irrigating frequently to provide sufficient moisture for the trees. Oranges and grapefruit are being harvested, and fruit quality is holding well. Sugar cane harvesting continues in southern counties. Planting of winter forage and cover crops, as well as harvesting of cotton and peanuts, that was previously delayed due to drought conditions was able to be resumed in some Panhandle counties following the improvement of soil moisture conditions. Cattle condition across the state remains mostly good despite the worsening of pasture quality. Most cattle are receiving supplemental feeding with hay.

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Appendix 1: Additional December departures from normal data for Florida locations.

Appendix 2: Select daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) broken during December (compiled from NOAA, NWS).  

Prepared by Lydia Stefanova, Daniel J. Brouillette, and David F. Zierden.
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Average temperatures were  above normal across the state in January. The departures from average temperatures in January 2017 were above normal across the entire state, ranging from +1.7˚F in Fort Lauderdale to +9.4˚F in Pensacola (Table 1 and Appendix 1). This was the 5th warmest January on record in Pensacola. Despite the warm average temperatures, below-freezing temperatures were observed on several nights at stations across north Florida.  Multiple temperature records were tied or broken across the state in January (Appendix 2), with all but one of those associated with warm temperatures. 

Table 1: January average temperatures and departures from normal (˚F) for selected cities.

Rainfall totals in January were varied across the state. Most of north Florida recorded above normal rainfall, and most of peninsular Florida had below-normal rainfall, with localized exceptions (Figure 1). At the major reporting stations, departures from normal roughly ranged from -1.92” to 7.27” (Table 2 and Appendix 1), though localized parts of the state saw rainfall totals that were as much as 3.00” below normal to 8.00” above normal (Figure 1).  January 2017 was the 6th wettest in Pensacola, and 10th wettest in Tallahassee and Lake City. There were no 24-hour precipitation records broken for the month at any of the major reporting stations.

Table 2: January precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities.

Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for January is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).

La Niña Conditions are Present in the Pacific.

Based on current data and forecast models, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will keep the ENSO Alert System at a La Niña Advisory. La Niña conditions are present, as near- to below-normal equatorial sea surface temperatures (SSTs) continue across the central and east-central Pacific Ocean. SSTs are above normal in the in the far eastern Pacific Ocean. A transition to ENSO-neutral conditions is expected during February 2017, and ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the first half of the year.  The CPC seasonal outlook favors above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for the state for February through April 2017.

Hazardous Weather Events in January.

January 2017 had a total of 358 local storm reports logged in the state (see Table 4 for a breakdown by type). Most of these hazardous weather events fell within three clusters: January 2^nd (30 reports), 6^th-7^th (44 reports), and 21^st-23^rd (252 reports, or over 70% of the month’s total).

On January 2^nd, severe weather was observed over the western Panhandle, as moisture inflow from the Gulf of Mexico combined with a strong upper-level disturbance and a strengthening low-pressure system. Numerous storms produced heavy rain, lightning, and high winds. Several lightning strikes were reported on houses across Santa Rosa County, causing house fires in at least four homes. A person in a tent was taken to the hospital for a lightning strike but was not injured. Flooded roadways and bridges were reported in numerous areas in Escambia and Walton counties, and a drowning fatality was reported in Walton County. Several measurements of marine winds over 40MPH were recorded over the coastal waters, and automated observing stations in Jackson County recorded thunderstorm winds of 60MPH. Thunderstorm winds caused damage to power lines and several structures in Escambia, Walton, Holmes, and Jackson Counties, and wind-downed trees were responsible for vehicle damage in Escambia County. Also on the 2^nd, but not as part of this severe weather complex, one person drowned and two people required rescue from dangerous rip currents in Pompano Beach (Broward County).

On January 6^th-7^th, another strong cold front passed over the state. January 6th brought dense morning fog in Collier, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties created dangerous driving conditions, with visibility along some highways below a quarter of a mile. Later that evening as the front pushed through, there were reports of hail, and downed trees and power lines in Columbia County. A brief weak (EF0) tornado produced damage to roofs and trees in a quarter mile swath in Suwannee County in the early hours of the 7^th. Over the next twelve hours, as the storm quickly swept to the south, high winds exceeding 40MPH were reported from Citrus, Manatee, Brevard, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade Counties, and along the Florida Keys. Thunderstorm wind damage, including damage to trees, power lines, cars and homes was reported in Suwannee, Citrus, Marion, and Miami-Dade Counties. These storms also produced dangerous lightning, resulting in one injury in Volusia County in the early morning hours of the 7^th. 

On January 21^st-23^rd, a vigorous cold storm combined with enhanced low-level southerly flow bringing in warm Gulf air created a potent environment for severe weather from the western Panhandle to south-central Florida. A Particularly Dangerous Situation tornado watch was issued for a large swath of the state. The storm system did produce an unusually high number of tornadoes across the Southeast US, ending up as one of the largest winter tornado outbreaks on record. Fortunately for Florida, however, most of the tornadic activity spared the state, with only a few weak tornadoes (EF0 and EF1) observed or confirmed by damage surveys in Franklin, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Funnel clouds were observed in Brevard, Escambia, and Lake County but dissipated before touching ground. Waterspouts were spotted offshore from Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Storm surge of two to three feet, combined with high tide, caused coastal flooding along the Gulf Coast from Levy to Manatee County on the 22^nd. Reports of up to one-inch diameter hail were widespread in Bay, Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Lake, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Union, Volusia, and Walton Counties. Reports from Escambia County indicated up to two-inch hail. High sustained winds and strong wind gusts were reported throughout the state, from the western Panhandle to South Florida, resulting in widespread storm damage and numerous power outages affecting tens of thousands of households.

Table 4: Breakdown of storm reports submitted in Florida during the month of January (Compiled from Southeast Regional Climate Center.)

Drought-Related Impacts. 

The previous month’s trend of improving drought conditions continued into January. According to the US Drought Monitor Report, at the end of December, about 9% of the state was completely drought free, 77% is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and 14% (including most of Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Taylor, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties, as well as portions of Escambia, Jackson, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Columbia, and Baker Counties) were experiencing moderate drought. By January 3^rd, following heavy rains there, drought conditions were lifted from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Washington Counties, and downgraded in other Panhandle counties. The easing of drought conditions in the Panhandle continued as the month progressed. As of the latest US Drought Monitor report (January 24th), approximately 38% of the state, including the entire Panhandle, is drought free. The remaining 62%, constituting most of Peninsular Florida, are affected by abnormally dry (D0) conditions. 

Water levels in Lake Okeechobee at the end of the month were at 13.85 feet, which is somewhat below the average for this time of the year.

Agriculture-Related Impacts. 

The month began with soil moisture levels predominantly in the adequate (45%) to short (34%) range, with some (14%) very short  and some (7%) surplus values also present. By the end of the month there was a slight improvement, with 51% adequate, 35% short, 6% very short and 8% surplus values. 

Abnormally dry conditions have been present in the citrus growing area throughout the month, despite some rain mid-month, and temperatures have been above normal for the season. The water level in canals and ditches is low because of the persistent lack of widespread rain in the region for the past several months. Growers are irrigating frequently to maintain sufficient moisture in the ground and on the trees. Blooming has begun statewide. Tangerines are harvested for the fresh market, mid-season oranges are steadily improving in internal quality, and grapefruit harvest is strong and of good quality. 

Cattle condition across the state is holding at fair to good, while pasture quality is seasonally declining. Some frost damage midmonth has contributed to poor pasture conditions in Dixie and Pasco Counties, and standing water was a problem in some pastures in Holmes and Washington Counties. Supplemental feeding of cattle has been used to compensate for poor pasture quality in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Indian River, Okeechobee, Lee, Pasco, and St. Lucie Counties. 

The strong rains early in the month brought relief from dry conditions in most of the Panhandle, but also caused some erosion problems in Okaloosa County. Farmers in Dixie, Flagler, Putnam, and Suwannee Counties have begun planting cover crops and spring potatoes. Sugarcane harvest in south Florida continues strong and on schedule. 

Foggy mornings have been conducive to diseases in vegetables for southwest Florida. Strong winds on the 22^nd and 23^rd also damaged some vegetable crops in that region. The warm winter weather has some blueberry growers concerned about the lack of sufficient accumulated chill hours and premature blooming. 

Appendix 1: Additional January departures from normal data for Florida locations.

Appendix 2: Select daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) broken during January (compiled from NOAA, NWS).  

Prepared by Lydia Stefanova, Daniel J. Brouillette, and David F. Zierden.
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Average temperatures were  above normal across the state in February. The departures from average temperatures in February 2017 were above normal across the entire state, ranging from +2.5˚F in Fort Lauderdale to 8.9˚F in Tallahassee (Table 1 and Appendix 1). Despite the warm average temperatures across the state, North Florida stations saw up to five nights with minimum temperatures in the 30s. A few major stations registered maximum temperatures at or above 90˚F on the last day of the month. February 2017 was the 2nd warmest in Pensacola, 3rd warmest in Fort Myers, and 5th warmest in Tallahassee and Tampa. Several high temperature records were tied or broken across the state (Appendix 2). 

Table 1: February average temperatures and departures from normal (˚F) for selected cities.

Rainfall totals in February were below normal for most of the state. Rainfall totals in February 2017 were below normal across the state except for small pockets in a few coastal areas (Figure 1). Departures from normal roughly ranged from -2.81” in Gainesville to +0.90” in Melbourne (Table 2 and Appendix 1), though localized parts of the state saw rainfall totals that were as much as 4.00” below normal to over 3.00” above normal (Figure 1). A few 24-hour precipitation records broken for the month (Table 3).

Table 2: February precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities.

Table 3: Select daily rainfall records (inches) broken during February. (Compiled from NOAA, NWS).

Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for February is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).

ENSO-neutral conditions are Present in the Pacific

Based on current data and forecast models, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has issued a Final La Niña Advisory. ENSO-neutral conditions are currently present, with sea surface temperatures (SST) near normal across the central and east-central Pacific Ocean, and above normal in the eastern Pacific Ocean. ENSO-neutral conditions are favored until mid-2017, with a possibility of El Niño by November 2017.  The CPC seasonal outlook favors above-normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation through May 2017.

Hazardous Weather Events in January.

There were 187 hazardous weather reports issued in Florida in February 2017. A large proportion of these events (117, or over 60% of the total) were made on just one day, the 7th, when a deep upper level trough and enhanced southerly flow bringing moisture from the Gulf led to the development of a large complex of thunderstorms and severe weather across the North Florida. A number of thunderstorms were accompanied by hail, particularly in Alachua, Levy, and Columbia Counties. Severe weather that day included a weak tornado touchdown in Bradford County that caused damage to a local school and downed trees and power lines. An EF1 tornado with peak winds near 100mph, track length 0.6 miles, and track width of 0.1 miles was confirmed in St. Johns County. Thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 40 mph and up to 60mph were reported in Columbia, Alachua, Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Brevard, and Volusia Counties. Gusts of 87mph were recorded in Okaloosa County. Uprooted trees caused several injuries in Okaloosa and Clay Counties, and a fatality in Calhoun County. Numerous storm damage reports of downed trees and powerlines, trees fallen on homes and vehicles or blocking roads, and damage to roofs and building structures came from Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, La Fayette, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Nassau, Duval, Clay, and St Johns Counties. Lightning strike damage to a building was reported in Santa Rosa County. 

On February 15th a passing cold front brought strong winds to the northeastern portion of the state. Non-thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 40mph were recorded in Alachua, Duval, Marion, St. Johns, Columbia, Osceola, and Volusia Counties.  A funnel cloud was spotted in Sumter County but did not touch down. Nickel-size hail was reported in Volusia County. 

Dense fog was reported in the South Florida area on the 9th, with very low visibility causing dangerous driving conditions in Broward, Miami-Dade, Glades, and Hendry County, and problems at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Dense fog was also reported on the 15th in Glades and Palm Beach County roads. Low visibility because of a wildfire smoke caused in several traffic accidents and prompted road closures in Polk County on the 17th. The fire consumed more than 4000 acres and destroyed nine mobile homes, two single-family dwellings, and several vehicles; over 800 homes were briefly ordered to evacuate. 

Despite the overall dry weather for the month, there were several isolated heavy rain events throughout the month. Observers recorded daily totals of up to 3.6 inches in Brevard County on the 22nd, and up to 5.8 inches in Martin County on the 28th. 

Two heat-related fatalities were reported this month, both involving young children left in a vehicle. An additional weather-related fatality resulted from rough surf and rip currents.

Table 4: Breakdown of storm reports submitted in Florida during the month of February (Compiled from Southeast Regional Climate Center.)

Drought-Related Impacts. 

TAt the end of January, approximately 38% of the state, including the entire Panhandle, was drought free. The remaining 62%, constituting most of Peninsular Florida, were affected by abnormally dry (D0) conditions. By mid-month, much of South Central and parts of South Florida (including Manatee, Hardee, the southern portions of Polk, Osceola, and Brevard, Sarasota, De Soto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Indian River, Charlotte, Glades, Saint Lucie, Martin, Lee, Hendry, Collier, Palm Beach, and northwestern Broward County) had transitioned from D0 to moderate drought (D1) conditions. This remains the situation as of the latest Drought Monitor Report, issued on February 23, with approximately 35% of the state drought-free, nearly 40% under D0, and 25% under D1 conditions. Based on census data, roughly 3.8 million Florida citizens are currently impacted by drought.  Due to the dry conditions, burn bans are in effect in Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry Counties. Lake Okeechobee water levels at the end of the month were at 13.45 ft., which is below average for this time of the year.

Agriculture-Related Impacts. 

Topsoil moisture levels at the beginning of the month were mostly adequate (46%) to short (39%). Some very short (10%) and surplus (5%) values were also reported. Most of peninsular Florida has been experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions, and temperatures have been mostly above normal. 

Citrus groves have been heavy irrigated to compensate for the prolonged dry conditions, despite brief showers over portions of the citrus growing region. Ditches and canals are running low. Grapefruit harvest has continued at a steady pace, while tangerine harvest has been increasing, despite overall amounts being relatively low. The early orange harvest has continuously decreased throughout the month. Blooming is widespread and at various stages. 

Pasture quality has continued its seasonal decline. Pastures in many parts of the state have been brown due to dry conditions across much of the states, and most ranchers are providing supplemental feed. There have been reports of improving pasture conditions in Indian River and Brevard Counties where cattle have had access to good grazing. Overall, most cattle remain in fair to good condition. 

Fruit and vegetable growers saw some damage from high winds. Unseasonably warm temperatures have caused early maturing and underweight harvest for some cool weather crops in Palm Beach County. Some producers in Dixie and Gilchrist are planting melons earlier than usual. 

Spring field crop planting activities have begun in Suwannee, Washington, Flagler and Putnam Counties. Sugarcane harvesting continues on schedule in Broward, Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach Counties. 

Appendix 1: Additional February departures from normal data for Florida locations.

Appendix 2: Select daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) broken during February (compiled from NOAA, NWS).  

Prepared by Lydia Stefanova, Daniel J. Brouillette, and David F. Zierden.
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Average temperatures in March were mostly above normal for the state. The departures from average temperatures in March 2017 were above normal for most of the state, with some the exception of a few slightly below-normal values in the peninsular portion. Departures from normal at major reporting stations ranged from -0.2˚F in Fort Myers to +5.3˚F in Pensacola. Despite the overall warm temperatures, most of north Florida experienced a hard freeze after a mid-month strong cold front. The temperature fell to 21˚F at Cecil Field in Jacksonville on March 16th – the lowest temperature of the 2016-17 cold season statewide. Unofficially, this was the latest date in the spring when a temperature this low has ever been recorded in Florida.  Throughout the month, some high and low temperature records were tied or broken across the state (Appendix 2). March 2017 was the 10rd warmest in Pensacola. 

Table 1: March average temperatures and departures from normal (˚F) for selected cities.

Rainfall totals in March were below normal for most of the state. Rainfall totals in March 2017 were below everywhere in the state except for parts of southeast Florida  (Figure 1). Departures from normal at major reporting stations ranged from -4.75” in Tallahassee to +0.92” in Miami (Table 2 and Appendix 1), although parts of the state saw rainfall totals that were as much as 5.00” below normal (Figure 1). March 2017 was the 2nd driest on record for Orlando, 8th driest on record for Gainesville, and 10th driest on record for Tallahassee and Fort Myers. One 24-hour precipitation record was broken for the month (Table 3).

Table 2: March precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities.

Table 3: Select daily rainfall records (inches) broken during March. (Compiled from NOAA, NWS).

Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for March is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS)

ENSO-neutral conditions are Present in the Pacific.   

Based on current data, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) ENSO Alert System Status is set to Not Active. ENSO-neutral conditions are currently present, with sea surface temperatures (SST) near average across the central and east-central Pacific Ocean, and above average in the eastern Pacific Ocean. ENSO-neutral conditions are favored through at least the spring of 2017, with increasing chances of El Nino development into the fall of 2017.  The CPC seasonal outlook favors above-normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation through June 2017.

Hazardous Weather Events in March.

March 2017 had a total of 95 local storm reports logged in the state (see Table 4 for breakdown by type). Over half of these reports came on a single day, the 23rd, when a cold front swept through the state, bringing high winds and hail to portions of Central and South Florida. Some reports of high winds and storm damage were also associated with the frontal passage on the 14th, and an EF1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 95 mph was confirmed in Broward County. There were waterspouts sighted on several days of the month, from coastal Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys, including at least 14 waterspouts spotted from Key West on a single day, the 28th. Due to the dry conditions, particularly in the peninsular portion of the state, there were a number of wildfires this month. Wildfires were reported in Alachua, Miami-Dade, Collier, Orange, Volusia, Nassau, Flagler, Brevard, and Marion Counties. Largest of these was a wildfire first reported on the 5th in Collier County, which grew to over 7,500 acres by the 8th of the month. This fire destroyed several buildings and vehicles, and heavy smoke from its burning made it necessary to close several roads and portions of I75. A 250-acre wildfire near Bryceville in Nassau County on the 22nd required evacuation of residents, and 10 homes were damaged or destroyed. Evacuations were also prompted by wildfires in a small community in Flagler County on the 24th, and near Fernandina Beach in Nassau County on the 31st.

Table 4: Breakdown of storm reports submitted in Florida during the month of March (Compiled from Southeast Regional Climate Center.)

Drought-Related Impacts. 

At the end of February and in early March, approximately 35% of the state was drought-free, nearly 40% was abnormally dry (D0), and 25% was experiencing moderate drought (D1) conditions, with most of peninsular Florida experiencing either D0 or D1 conditions.   As the month progressed, the dry conditions extended to the north and west, and intensified. As of the latest drought monitor report, issued on March 28th, less than 9% of the state is drought-free, approximately 40% is abnormally dry (D0), another 40% is experiencing moderate drought (D1), and slightly over 11% is experiencing severe drought (D2). D1 or worse conditions are present over most of peninsular Florida, with D2 conditions currently affecting most of Desoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Lee, and Hendry Counties, as well as parts of Sarasota, Collier, Levy and Alachua Counties. There are an estimated 11 million Florida residents in the drought-affected areas of the state. Due to the dry conditions, burn bans are currently in effect in Seminole, Osceola, Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry Counties. At the end of the month, Lake Okeechobee water levels were at approximately 12.56 ft., which is below average for this time of the year. 

Agriculture-Related Impacts. 

At the beginning of March, topsoil moisture levels were mostly short (46%) to adequate (40%), although 10% of very short and 4% of surplus values were also reported. Soil moisture conditions worsened as the month progressed, ending at 17% very short, 47% short, 32% adequate, and 4% surplus. Worsening drought conditions have affected the entire citrus growing area, with large portions of it in moderate to severe drought, requiring heavy irrigation, despite the occasional light rain. Citrus trees are in full bloom or in areas where bloom this year was early, already forming small fruit. Potato and corn planting has been underway, with some temporary slowdown due to the mid-month below-freezing temperatures across the north and central portion of the state. The hard freezes caused significant damage to many fruit and vegetable crops in the affected regions and set back planting activities. Much of the watermelon plantings in these areas were lost and are being replanted.  The sugarcane harvest has continued on schedule. Cattle are holding at fair to good condition, but pastures remain dry and continue to seasonally decline. Many farmers are using supplemental feeding to offset the mostly fair to poor pasture quality. Hay supplies are reported to be running low in Brevard County, and pastures in the county have also seen wildfires and lack of suitable water. 

Appendix 1: Additional March departures from normal data for Florida locations.

Appendix 2: Select daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) broken during March (compiled from NOAA, NWS).