Central Florida’s normal rainy season typically runs from June to September, but this year’s spotty and often sparse rainfall has left the Peace River at streamflow volumes the U.S. Geologic Survey classify as between Below Normal to Extremely Below Normal.
The effects of this year’s El Nino may result in a wetter-than-normal winter dry season that could turn this trend around by spring, when streamflow is typically at its lowest.
This comes at a time when scientists at the Southwest Florida Water Management District are predicting the Upper Peace River will meet its minimum flow for the next 20 years.
Meanwhile, discharge from the structure on Saddle Creek south of Lake Hancock remains at zero to maintain the lake’s level.
Stay tuned.