TAMPA, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District on Tuesday approved an extension to its water shortage order to March 31 of next year.
The board agreed to reduce or rescind the water shortage before that date if necessary.
This is the second extension to the Modified Phase Three Water Shortage Order.
A hydrologic conditions report showed below-average rainfall from back-to-back rainy summer seasons, and that consistent, above-average rainfall is needed to reduce the long-term deficit.
Residents should check with their city or county for days and times to restrict water.
The district says summer storms have helped stabilize conditions, but they have not been enough to erase the long-term shortage. According to the district, the rainfall deficit grew slightly from 15.2 inches in July to 15.4 inches in August.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows moderate to extreme drought conditions still affecting much of the greater Tampa Bay area.
Florida’s rainy season officially ends in the coming weeks, raising concerns that the region may not receive enough rain to make up the deficit before the drier months begin.
According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s Weather Experts, beginning in October, the average monthly rainfall drops significantly in Tampa Bay as we enter our dry season.
However, with the expected very strong El Nino for the fall and winter, we would have a wetter winter in Florida and potentially more severe weather.