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Drought Conditions Worsening In Lake County

    Drought conditions are intensifying locally, as Lake County, along with much of the Florida peninsula, continues to be bereft of regular rainfall.  Data released on Monday by the United States Department of Agriculture indicate Lake County joins much of Florida in what is now a ‘moderate’ drought, with no immediate end in sight.
    Lake County's situation as defined by the percentage of the area experiencing drought conditions has more than doubled since the start of the calendar year, from just under 30% to now approaching 65%.
    Additionally, soil moisture readings continue to track in the wrong direction due to the lack of rainfall.  The Florida Keetch Byram Drought Index on Monday, March 6, indicated Lake County indicated Lake County's soil has dried to the point of leaving the area in the upper range of the index's 0-750 calculator.  Lake County on Monday was listed in the 450-499 range, better than some parts of South Florida, but among the drier counties in Central Florida.
    A growing rainfall deficit has spurred the drought.  Florida Forest Service data recording stations throughout the county show the problem.  A tracking station in Paisley shows just one inch of rain during the current calendar year, and none during February.  Another tower, in Leesburg, recorded 1.50 inches of rain in January.  That station also recorded zero rain in February.
    More broadly, the greater Orlando area’s average rainfall in January was less than half traditional levels as recorded by the FFS.
    The extended dry spell being experienced by the area is in contrast to last year as a whole, which saw the Central Florida area receive just under 62 inches of rain during 2022, up from a traditional 50 inches.  However, rising temperatures and Florida's sandy soil can contribute to quickly deteriorating conditions without regular rainfall.
    Long-range forecasts early this week indicated Lake County could receive rainfall next Monday, March 13, with a 50% chance showing up in long-range forecasts.