JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida finally received some beneficial rainfall this weekend.
But a whole lot more is needed after a very dry February.
The warm and dry February
February was well-known for its warm conditions, with the Jacksonville International Airport tying or breaking five record highs.
It was also a very dry month.
Jacksonville only received 1.42″ of rain for February. This is well below the average of 2.86″.
This lack of rainfall has led to parched soils and the need to begin sprinklers on lawns across much of the region.
Some weekend rain
While the timing of the rain wasn’t the best for the Gate River Run, it was very beneficial rainfall.
The rain was the first measurable rainfall at the Jacksonville International Airport since Feb. 17 -- a span of 15 days.
0.26″ fell in Jacksonville, making it the heaviest rainfall since Feb. 11.
Other areas also received rain from the system this weekend.
Gainesville reported 0.72″ of rain, while Craig Executive Airport achieved 0.22″.
Southeast Georgia reported smaller amounts, with St. Simons Island seeing 0.08″
More rain is needed
While the weekend rains were nice, much more is needed.
Despite the rainfall on Saturday, Jacksonville is already running a small deficit for the month of March.
And the dry winter is really beginning to take its toll.
Since Jan. 1, Jacksonville has received 3.86″ of rain. This is 2.84″ below the average of 6.70″.
The impacts are being.
Small wildfires are beginning to pop up across southern sections, including in Putnam, Union and Columbia counties.
A change ahead
It is becoming more likely a pattern change may begin later this week that could lead to wetter conditions.
A large pattern shift in the jet stream will likely lead to storm systems making closer passes to the region.
This could result in a more active weather pattern with higher rain chances.
In fact, late this week into the weekend daily rain chances are becoming very possible.
The updated 6-10 precipitation outlook from the Climate Prediction Center showers above-average rainfall expected across all of Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida.
While the weekend rains were beneficial, more rain is needed. That may be coming over the next several weeks.