If you think this winter has been pretty warm and dry across Central Florida, you would be correct.

We have had a few strong cold fronts, but they didn’t produce much rain, and high pressure built in so quickly that the colder north winds didn’t last long.

Here is a look at the numbers:

As for this season's rainfall in Central Florida:

  • Orlando: 5.45 inches for the season, 1.86 inches below normal;
  • Daytona Beach: 4.71 inches for the season, 3.44 inches below normal;
  • Melbourne: 5.21 inches for the season, 2.16 inches below normal;
  • Vero Beach: 4.10 inches for the season, 3.26 inches below normal.

These numbers indicate a higher-than-normal risk for fires heading through the next two months.

Please be very careful with outdoor burning, and keep your water hoses handy for the yards as well.