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Rainfall in 2006 was about 23 inches below average, making the year the third driest since 1940.
Drier conditions have not happened since 1968, according to data kept by the 46th Weather Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base.
The year 1954 saw 31.41 inches of rain, and 33.52 inches of rain fell in 1968, according to Eglin.
Locally, rainfall totaled 40.23 inches last year. The yearly average is 63.19 inches.
The lack of rain, especially in the early part of the year, damaged some crops and left groundwater levels several feet below normal.
Meteorologists at Eglin say the lack of rain stemmed from exceptionally warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.
“The atypically warm waters off the coast of South America created a drier weather pattern than normal,” said Maj. Michael Scott, a meteorologist with Eglin.
Small farms without irrigation systems, in particular, suffered losses due to the dry conditions, said Gerald Edmonson, director of the Okaloosa County Extension Office.
Local peanut and cotton crops felt the lack of rain, but cotton fared better because the crop can survive in dry conditions, unlike peanuts, he said.
Cotton crops had an average yield in 2006, he said. However, peanut yields were down about one-third, Edmonson said.
“It did really affect the agricultural sector,” he said.
The lack of rain also lowered groundwater levels. They were between 3 and 5 feet lower than what they were in 2005, said Chris Richards, chief of the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s groundwater bureau.
The area is not yet in danger of a water shortage, and a rainy 2007 will ensure that, Richards said.
“It takes more than one or two rainfalls to really make a difference,” he said.
The drought also reduced the amount and quality of hay produced, and that will be felt throughout this year, Edmonson said. “We’re probably going to see a shortage of hay this year,” he said.
While the lack of rain brought its share of problems to farmers, it should not have a long-term effect on the agricultural industry, Edmonson said.
The outlook so far this year looks good, with rain expected today. Because of recent rain, there is no significant fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.
Northwest Florida Daily News
Heather Civil
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