Bone Dry in Collier!

Naples experienced the driest October to May period on record as the city received only 6.70 inches of rain between October 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011! This beats the old record of 6.90 inches set back in 1971 and is 12.88 inches below normal rainfall for the period. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of coastal Collier County is experiencing 'severe' drought conditions with much of inland Collier under 'exceptional' drought conditions. The persistent dry conditions can be attributed to strong high pressure which remained in place across the South often blocking approaching cold fronts from passage through the peninsula. This pattern is typically observed during a spring La Nina phase.

The next several days will feature very minimal rain chances, not until next Tuesday will a more significant rain chance return to the forecast.

Lauren