ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida officially had its wettest day of the year on Monday as an unusual low moved in from the Gulf. While some may have complained about all-day drizzle, the constant rainfall brought a few silver linings worth noting.
First, let’s talk about the much-needed break from pollen season.
If you’ve been sneezing and sniffling your way through the past few weeks, Monday’s rain was a welcome relief. The downpour helped wash away some of the pollen that’s been plaguing allergy sufferers, giving everyone a chance to breathe a little easier for a few days.
But the benefits of this rainy day go beyond just a temporary respite from allergies.
Central Florida has been dealing with worsening drought conditions lately due to the abnormally warm and dry February we’ve seen, and Monday’s rain is a step in the right direction.
While it won’t completely solve the problem, it certainly helps put a dent in those drought numbers. Every drop counts when it comes to replenishing our water supply and supporting our local ecosystems. Our next drought update, to include Monday’s soaker, will be issued on Thursday.
Now, let’s take a look at the rain totals from Monday to early Tuesday county-by-county:
Brevard County:
- Palm Bay: 1.54 inches
- Melbourne Beach: 1.37 inches
- Rockledge: 1.31 inches
- Cocoa: 1.21 inches
Flagler County:
- Palm Coast: 0.41 inches
- Flagler Beach: 0.34 inches
Lake County:
- Clermont: 1.30 inches
- Oakland: 0.99 inches
- Leesburg: 0.51 inches
Marion County:
- Micanopy: 0.62 inches
- Belleview: 0.53 inches
- Ocala: 0.49 inches
Orange County:
- Meadow Wood: 1.14 inches
- Orlando: 1.10 inches
- Bithlo: 0.90 inches
- Ocoee: 0.87 inches
Osceola County:
- Harmony: 1.33 inches
- St. Cloud: 1.15 inches
- Kissimmee: 1.13 inches
Seminole County:
- Chuluota: 0.89 inches
- Oviedo: 0.86 inches
- Altamonte Springs: 0.81 inches
- Casselberry: 0.81 inches
Sumter County:
- Webster: 0.64 inches
- The Villages: 0.52 inches
- Lady Lake: 0.62 inches
Volusia County:
- Port Orange: 0.81 inches
- DeLand: 0.73 inches
- New Smyrna Beach: 0.63 inches
Rain totals like these are a welcomed sight, especially this time of the year. As we transition into the warmer months, the importance of rain becomes even more critical.
Florida fire season
Central Florida is no stranger to fire season, which peaks late winter into early spring. And it’s the combination of dry conditions and lightning that can create a perfect storm for wildfires across the Sunshine State. When lightning strikes parched ground, it can easily ignite fires that spread rapidly, posing a threat to both natural habitats and human communities.
Receiving rain at this time of year is crucial in mitigating these risks. The moisture helps to dampen the dry vegetation, reducing the likelihood of fires starting and spreading. It also replenishes the soil, making it less susceptible to ignition from lightning strikes.
By getting a head start on building up our water reserves, we can better prepare for the challenges that fire season may bring.