Coastal regions are subject to saltwater intrusion. Crops are impacted since irrigation is not a viable option. Fire is one of the most serious consequences of drought. Numerous fires are already burning. Without adequate water, vegetation is dying and swamps are drying up, creating high potential for fire.
Arson is on the rise.
Normal seasonal thunderstorms might provide some relief, but they cause lightning strikes, resulting in additional fire starts. While fires will recur as a natural phenomenon in Florida, the state has no systematic process in place to deal with a non-traditional disaster such as drought. The combined effects of drought and fire have serious economic and energy consequences as well as health and safety implications. Near normal precipitation is anticipated this spring, but will not be anywhere near adequate to make up the rainfall deficit. Therefore, the drought is expected to continue over the summer months.