Drought is beginning to set in parts of Florida. Will it continue to expand?

Except for a small portion that had extreme drought in the area adjacent to Tampa Bay earlier this year, the rest of Florida has been without drought conditions all year. But this changed in the most recent publication from NOAA and other organizations in charge of measuring the nation's drought.

Under abnormal drought conditions is now a swath from Sarasota and Manatee counties eastward and over Osceola counties, north of Palm Beach to Brevard. Most populated cities that are now under this drought category are Sarasota, Arcadia, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Melbourne, and Titusville.

Check out your latest weather forecast in our WeatherMap

Although some irrigation restrictions have already been in effect in West and Southwest Florida, we have to emphasize the importance of following these orders. Many will remain in effect until at least July 1.

Please closely monitor any water or irrigation restrictions in your county or city. It is important to save water until the rainy season or more frequent rains begin. For much of Florida, the rainy season starts at some point in May.