Low rainfall numbers spell drought in Southwest Fla.

With February's end, the 2008-2009 South Florida dry season became the third driest on record dating back to 1932. Water levels in the 16-county South Florida Water Management District are declining, and the stage is set for drought conditions to worsen if adequate rain does not fall. The forecast of persistent dry conditions through the remainder of the dry season underscores the need for continued conservation to stretch the water supply.

The latest SFWMD reports show an average of 0.41 inches of rain fell across the region in February, which is 1.78 inches less than the historical average for the month. Rainfall for the dry season is down 6.65 inches to date from the historical average, with several months left before the wet season begins. Forecasters are predicting below-average rainfall to continue through April.

Along with District data, a report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that much of South Florida is already experiencing a moderate drought. The East Coast, from approximately Martin to Miami-Dade counties, is listed as being in a severe drought. Drought conditions across the region are expected to persist or intensify through May, according to the Climate Prediction Center at the National Weather Service.

District meteorologists reported that a more complete rainfall picture will emerge in the final few months of the dry season and noted that an above—average start to the wet season, which typically begins in June, could help the region's water supply significantly.

With the dry trend continuing, the District is promoting water conservation.

Read more about the District's water conservation plan and get tips on saving water at www.savewaterfl.com. For more weather data, visit www.sfwmd.gov.