Buresh Blog: A wet April... May averages... Hurricane Dorian NHC summary

Jacksonville, FL — After a dry Feb. & March, April turned wet - thankfully - which at least delays the wildfire season. Most areas of NE Fl. & SE Ga. ended April 2″ to as much as 6″ above avg. (SE Ga.) The maps below from NOAA show the drought index April 16 vs. April 23rd with the driest conditions in the tan & orange areas. The wet month has - in some areas - nearly wiped out the yearly deficit that was as high as 3-5″.

May is forecast to continue the wetter than avg. pattern that’s recently become established. However, remember - May is typically the peak of the local wildfire season, & it doesn’t take long to dry out this time of year (longer days, more sun, warmer temps.).

May averages for Jacksonville:

We’re now down to 1 month (or less) to the 2020 hurricane season. Remember that flood insurance policies do not become active until 1 month after you’ve signed on the dotted line AND policies cannot be written if a named storm is nearby. Virtually all forecasts so far are calling for an active, possibly hyperactive season - see this interesting interactive graphic for the various forecasts.... tweeted out by Dr. Phil Klotzbach. “Talking the Tropics With Mike” is updated every day during the hurricane season beginning June 1st.... or earlier if need be. Go to the First Alert Hurricane Center for seasonal prep info, maps & forecasts.

Speaking of the tropics.... the NHC just completed the post storm summary on mighty hurricane Dorian (Aug. 24-Sept. 7, 2019) - click * here *. The storm’s most devastating blow was on the Northern Bahamas. My own summary of the storm - including the forecast headaches & heartaches - can be found * here *.

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