Wildfires

Enough rain fell during the end of May and beginning of June across the southern portion of the Florida peninsula to significantly lower the drought conditions — except for Southwest Florida including the Everglades, which remain in "extreme drought" according to the U.S. Drought Monitor

The Associated Press is reporting that air quality in some parts of the United States is worsening as smoke from dozens of wildfires in Canada travels south, pushed by winds high in the atmosphere.The U.S. was sending aid in several forms to Canada.

New research discovered an existing drought, like the one in South Florida since January, can lengthen heat waves, like the one parked over Florida, a North Carolina weather researcher found.

More than 100 wildfires were burning throughout Florida at the end of April, 14 million state residents are gripped by drought, and hurricane season's coming.

A temporary trail closure in the Big Cypress National Preserve is in effect after the discovery Saturday of a more than 340-acre fire east of State Road 29 and north of Deep Lake.The temporary closures include the Deep Lake Trail (including Trail Head) and the Fire Prairie Trail. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.

A water shortage in Cape Coral and Lee County. Parched soil and worsening drought throughout Southwest Florida. Wildfires are expected next, and not small ones.The restrictions were put into place to protect the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer and drinking water supply in that area. The area affected is bound by NE Pine Island Road on the south, Neilson Road N on the west, NE 24th Avenue and Garden Boulevard on the east and the Gator Slough Canal on the north.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from noon to 7 p.m. today for Southwest Florida areas including Lee, DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties.A combination of warm temperatures this afternoon, low relative humidity values, and sustained winds greater than 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph will create Red Flag conditions across much of west central and Southwest Florida this afternoon.At the same time a number of brush fires were being fought.

A six-acre wildfire in Naples caused homeowners to evacuate, and Sarasota County added itself to the growing list of counties with an outdoor burn ban

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

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today due to critically low humidity with gusty winds resulting in elevated fire danger in areas of Southwest Florida.The National Weather Service issued the Fire Weather Warning for an area including Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties from noon to 8 p.m. today.