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Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Star
Florida weather: Map shows 'extreme' drought sparking wildfire risk and lethal rip current warning
More dry and sunny weather is in store for Florida as drought conditions worsen across the state, sparking wildfire risks . Temperatures are set to soar into the 80s as several counties are now under "extreme" drought conditions, creating the perfect fuel for dangerous wildfires to ignite. Blazes aren't the only thing putting Floridians at risk though. Strong breezes are also creating potentially lethal rip current threats to several coastal areas as swimmers have been warned about getting swept out to see. Some thunderstorms over the weekend could provide some drought relief but it likely won't be enough to put an end to the dangerous conditions. Read More Related Articles Florida residents flee wildfires as droughts set scene for devastating wildfire season Read More Related Articles Map shows active wildfires across Florida as state to remain 'bone dry' amid elevated blaze risk Eight counties are experiencing extreme drought (Image: Drought Monitor) 'Extreme' drought spreads across Florida while rip currents pose deadly risk at coast Drought conditions are worsening across Florida as eight counties have now been categorised under "extreme" conditions, according to the US drought monitor. Extreme drought, referred to as D3, is the second-highest level, falling only under D4 (exceptional drought). Under extreme drought conditions in the past, Florida has experienced extreme fire danger, ground water such as that at Lake Okeechobee reaching extremely low levels and even fish dying due to the blooming of toxic algae. The worsening drought conditions are only set to escalate over the next few days and mostly dry and sunny weather continues across the Sunshine State with temperatures in the 80s. The dry and hot weather creates the perfect conditions for wildfires, or which more than a dozen are already burning across Florida. Burn bans are in effect for 18 counties across the state. However, drought and wildfires aren't the only weather risk Florida is currently facing. Strong coastal breezes are also creating a risk of potentially deadly rip currents in several areas as swimmers have been urged to use caution. Eight counties under extreme drought while three face rip current threat Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County, Volusia County, Hendry County, Collier County, Palm Beach County, Broward County are all under extreme drought conditions. Much of the rest of the state is also experiencing severe drought conditions. These are expected to worsen over the next few days as dry and warm weather continues before some relief on Sunday and Monday. In Miami, temperatures will reach highs of 82F and it will remain sunny and dry throughout the weekend. Tampa could see some of the hottest temperatures, with highs of a sweltering 93F. AccuWeather warns that there is a "possible danger of dehydration and heatstroke while doing strenuous activities." In Orlando, highs could reach 89 on Friday. It will be "mostly sunny and beautiful," according to AccuWeather but Monday will see some thunderstorms forming in the afternoon. A rip current threat is under effect (Image: MATT BORN/STARNEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Jacksonville will see highs of 86F and sunny weather until Sunday afternoon, when thunderstorms will roll into the region and last until the evening. Tallahassee will experience similar conditions, remaining mostly sunny and warm over the next few days until thunderstorms begin on Sunday. A rip current risk is in effect for Coastal Palm Beach County, Coastal Broward County and Coastal Miami Dade County, the National Weather Service has announced. When is the drought and rip currents expected to begin? Florida began experiencing drought conditions back in January but they have gradually worsened over the past few months and most of the state is now experiencing moderate to extreme drought while the rest is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The rip current risk in in effect until Saturday evening. When will the drought in Florida end? Thunderstorms in some regions on Sunday and Monday could provide some drought relief but conditions are set to become warm and dry once again next week. A longer period of rain will be needed to end the drought across Florida. Dry season typically comes to an end in mid-May, so drought conditions are expected to begin easing over the next few weeks. Residents warned of lethal risks Those residing in Coastal Palm Beach County, Coastal Broward County and Coastal Miami Dade County have been warned about dangerous rip currents until Saturday evening. "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the National Weather Service warns. The agency adds: "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help." Rip currents aren't the only lethal risk facing Florida, wildfire risks are elevated during the drought and residents have been urged to avoid actions that could spark wildfires, including dropping cigarette butts or lighting bonfires.
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Ice storm foreshadows more freezing rain, sleet to hit these states
Ice storm foreshadows more freezing rain, sleet to hit these states Show Caption Hide Caption What is the difference between sleet and freezing rain? Both sleet and freezing rain can cause dangerously icy conditions, but what's the difference? February is typically the snowiest month in the northeastern U.S., and this month appears to be no exception, as a bounty of snow appears likely for much of the region over the next few days. Starting with an ice and snow storm Thursday, a series of winter systems is forecast to slam parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with dangerous travel conditions through the middle of next week, forecasters said. "February is kicking off with a very stormy pattern," AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "A parade of three winter storms will bring snow, ice and sleet to millions of people from the Midwest through the Northeast.' Some of the worst weather Thursday will be in the Appalachians of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, where an ice storm warning will remain in effect until midday because of the forecast of freezing rain. "Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice," the National Weather Service said. "Travel could be nearly impossible." AccuWeather senior meteorologist Marshall Moss warned drivers that 'freezing rain is the most dangerous precipitation for travel, there is no traction at all on it.' He added that 'ice patches are clear, making it tough for drivers to tell if roads are icy or just wet." As the storm races off to the north, snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are also expected across parts of northeastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, New York City and Maine, with a plowable 3-6 inches of snow expected in the higher elevations of northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, AccuWeather said. After a break Friday, another storm is forecast for the weekend. According to meteorologist Chris Dolce, "snow and a stripe of ice seem likely to develop by Saturday from the northern Plains and Great Lakes to parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast." The weather service said sleet and freezing rain are likely across portions of the Mid-Atlantic, New York and southern New England, which could be hazardous. The most significant risk of icing on Saturday is in northern Ohio and across parts of southwestern, central and northern Pennsylvania, according to AccuWeather. Dolce said the Interstate 95 corridor could at least start with a burst of snow, including around New York City and Philadelphia, before changing to a wintry mix and/or rain. "Boston might remain snow for a longer period of time and pile up several inches." Long-term computer model forecast guidance is hinting this active winter storm pattern might persist in the Midwest and East next week, Dolce said. "With colder air advancing southward, there's a chance the areas of snow and/or ice might be farther south compared to what we are seeing through this week," he said. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Joe Lundberg said: "From late Monday into Wednesday, a storm will originate in Texas and move to the Mid-Atlantic coast, with a larger swath of snow and ice to the north of its path, and the potential of heavy rain and severe weather across the South into the Southeast."
