drought

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday at 50 acres in the far eastern part of Collier County. By Sunday morning the fire had spread to 8,398 acres and containment remained at 0%.

It's due to low levels in the Hillsborough River Reservoir, Tampa's main source of water. The U.S. Drought Monitor says parts of Hillsborough County are under an "extreme drought."

Most forecasters have decided the disturbance developing in the Gulf of Mexico does not have the time, or the mojo, to undergo the rapid and daunting transformation into an early tropical system and ease the drought.

The National Interagency Fire Center reported the Big Cypress National Preserve reported Thursday that the fire had grown by more than 50 percent.

State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan spoke during a news conference in Hillsborough County about what has already proven to be a busy fire season.

Gradual improvement to drought conditions are forecast as the rainy season gets started in about six weeks.

Rainfall totals since the beginning of the year are more than 70 percent below normal.

Polk County issued a burn ban following a wildfire that covered 1,000 acres.

Consistent high temperatures could "accelerate the outset of drought,” says one climatologist.

The winter months tend to be the driest months of the year in Florida and this can be exacerbated during a La Niña winter. For Panhandle locations, drought conditions are expected to worsen.

Record warm August temperatures in South Florida, combined with rainfall deficits, play a role in current drought conditions.

Rain on dry ground is "like pouring water on concrete."