We didn’t break any records, but it was one of the driest springs on record in Polk, according to preliminary figures compiled by the National Weather Service.
Lakeland rainfall was 315 inches. The record was 2.28 inches in 1945. Normal rainfall is 9.92 inches.
Winter Haven rainfall was 1.92 inches. The record was 1.61 inches in 2000. Normal rainfall is 8.95 inches.
Bartow rainfall was 3.09 inches The record was 2.34 inches in 1908. Normal rainfall is 8.99 inches.
Polk and surrounding counties are still under a mandatory burn ban because of the wildfire danger and under increased watering restrictions because of the stress on water supplies.