Drought

Florida's wildfire season is heating up early this year, as blazes surround Southwest Florida.

Some isolated spots received slight relief from the drought courtesy of the low pressure that dissected the state earlier this week. Can we expect more soon?

Looking at the wide picture of Florida, there has been more areas improving. But there are areas that are holding on tight to a moderate drought.

It automatically went into effect as dry conditions persist across much of southwest Florida.

The dry season is in full gear and it is truly showing in Florida as the entire state is dealing with drought conditions.

Residents in those counties will be able to water twice a week. Some cities and counties are keeping once-a-week watering restrictions by local ordinance.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District voted to extend the restrictions until Dec. 31 for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Despite the weekend's wet weather, Tampa officials say there's not enough water to go around.

Restrictions for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have been extended until Sept. 1.

Sarasota's burn ban automatically took effect on May 5.

Many parts of South Florida have received over a foot of rain and the rains are forecast to continue, intense, at least through Friday. The ground is already saturated exacerbating dangerous floods.

As the drought worsens for parts of Florida, the rainy season coming to the rescue ... just in time.