December rainfall below average across the region as drought conditions persist

In Summary:

The St. Johns River Water Management District reported below-average rainfall in December, continuing a dry pattern across northeast and east-central Florida. The entire district is now classified as experiencing some level of drought, ranging from abnormally dry conditions in central areas to moderate and severe drought in western and northern portions of the region, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. With forecasts indicating a higher probability of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, residents are encouraged to conserve water and follow local watering restrictions.

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While December is historically the second-driest month across the St. Johns River Water Management District, rainfall this past month was below-average, and precipitation remained below normal in 17 of 18 counties. The drier conditions contributed to declining aquifer levels and varied surface water flows across the region.

Related: District sees unusually dry November.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, like the rest of the state, the entire District is currently classified as experiencing some level of drought. Conditions range from abnormally dry in the central portions of the District to moderate and severe drought in the west and north, all of which warrant continued monitoring as the dry season continues.

The National Weather Service short-term precipitation forecast calls for near-normal rainfall, while longer-term and seasonal outlooks indicate a higher probability of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, though some uncertainty remains.

With limited rainfall expected in the coming months, residents are encouraged to use water efficiently, such as following water restrictions and adopting smart irrigation practices. 

A full report outlining December’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting. Highlights include:

Rainfall

• Districtwide rainfall averaged 1.63 inches, 0.91 inches below the monthly average.
• Monthly averages ranged from 3.00 inches in Orange County to 0.54 inches in Okeechobee County.
• Annual rainfall across the District was 45.99 inches, 5.02 inches below the long-term average.
• Rainfall distribution on an annual scale has been higher in Volusia, northern Brevard and portions of southern counties, while areas to the west and the northwest have received below 35 inches.
• Thirteen counties have recorded below-average annual rainfall, with five counties more than 11 inches below their annual averages, including Baker, Bradford, Alachua, Marion and Putnam counties.

Groundwater 

• Water levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer primarily recorded decreases, with sites showing decreases that track along with recent rainfall patterns.
• Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 32nd percentile for December, which is in the normal range.   

Spring flows

• Silver Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 500 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 323 million gallons per day (mgd), a decrease of 18 cfs from November. Remaining in the low range for this time of year.
• In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported flows within the normal range.
• Rock Springs had a monthly mean flow of 60 cfs (39 mgd), which is in the normal range.
• Wekiwa Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 65 cfs (42 mgd), remaining in the normal range.

For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.  

Visit WaterLessFlorida.com for tips to help landscapes thrive while saving water and money. 

Key Points:

• Districtwide rainfall totaled 1.63 inches, 0.91 inches below the monthly average.
• Rainfall was below normal in 17 of 18 counties, with monthly averages ranging from 3.00 inches in Orange County to 0.54 inches in Okeechobee County.
• The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies the entire district as experiencing drought, with moderate to severe conditions in the west and north.
• Upper Floridan aquifer levels primarily decreased, tracking recent rainfall patterns, while the districtwide groundwater index remained in the 32nd percentile (normal range).
• Spring flows varied: Silver Springs decreased from November and remained low for this time of year, while Blue Spring, Rock Springs, and Wekiwa Springs remained in the normal range.

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the District and the people of the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida that manage groundwater and surface water supplies. The District encompasses all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff are also available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.

Connect with us at @SJRWMD on X,  Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information about the District, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.