Tropical System Could Help Florida Drought

As we said in our news story today, the tropical system headed for Florida could provide beneficial rainfall to correct the short-term drought that most of the state is suffering. Even though not officially classified by NOAA as a drought, the situation is no doubt hurting lawns and gardens. Here's a look at precipitation deficits for the last two weeks -- many areas have had no rain at all:

Of course, tropical rainfall can mathematically correct a drought but still leave the area too dry, if the heavy rains run off too quickly or cause flooding. Once you go a month back, things look better - but the east coast is still very dry. This is not unlike the short-term drought that took place earlier this month in the Northeast.