Driest few months in nearly 80 years

A broad swath of central and South Florida has capped its driest few months in nearly 80 years.

The South Florida Water Management District said its area of oversight -- 16 counties from Orlando to Key West -- got less rain from November through February than any other year since it started keeping records in 1932.

February was particularly dry for the region, with only about one-third of an inch of rain recorded.

Since October, the water management district has recorded rainfall at about half the average level.

"Surface and ground water supplies are declining at a significant rate," said Tommy Strowd, SFWMD deputy executive director of operations and maintenance. "The existing situation and the long-term forecast for continued extreme dry conditions make water conservation efforts essential.