ORLANDO, Fla. – We’ve essentially had all four seasons mixed into one month here in Florida.
The last 30 days have been more than a roller coaster of weather conditions and emotions for us Floridians. One moment we’re battling severe weather, the next we’re talking winter storm conditions, followed up by heavy rainfall, frigid temperatures, and now potentially historic HIGH temperatures!
What in the meteorology mayhem is happening!?
But, some good news amidst the atmospheric chaos! The same winter storm that absolutely pummeled the Florida Panhandle with blizzard-like conditions brought in some much needed rainfall for us in the peninsula. We were beginning to feel the effects of our La Niña-induced drought. At least for the time being, not so much!
Here’s a look at the latest drought monitor. Central Florida is finally back in the “DRY” category, which may still seem like a problem but compared to the earlier data, this is relief for many of us.
Now, I will quickly add a disclaimer to this - as we enter the month of February, it does appear our La Niña wintertime pattern will start to dominate much of the eastern U.S. What does this mean for Central Florida? Rain becomes a scarcity again.
Despite the freezing temperatures and painful wind chills we had to battle through after our arctic winter storm, the rainfall was incredibly helpful for wildlife, agriculture, and our own backyards while we had it.
Climate Prediction Center is already pinpointing a return to below average precipitation totals as we get into the first week or two of February, maybe even beyond that.
So despite the short bout of drought relief, we need to remain vigilant in taking care of our plants and grasses especially during this expedited warming trend.
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