Florida weather: Map shows 'extreme' drought sparking wildfire risk and lethal rip current warning
Eight counties in Florida are under 'extreme' drought conditions as more dry and warm weather is on the way while coastal breezes are sparking a lethal rip current risk
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.
'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.
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.