• Drought Index
The Keetch-Byram drought index (KBDI) is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers. The index increases for each day without rain (the amount of increase depends on the daily high temperature) and decreases when it rains. The scale ranges from 0 (no moisture deficit) to 800. The range of the index is determined by assuming that there is 8 inches of moisture in a saturated soil that is readily available to the vegetation.
For different soil types, the depth of soil required to hold 8 inches of moisture varies (loam=30", clay=25" and sand=80"). A prolonged drought (high KBDI) influences fire intensity largely because more fuel is available for combustion (i.e. fuels have a lower moisture content). In addition, the drying of organic material in the soil can lead to increased difficulty in fire suppression.
High values of the KBDI are an indication that conditions are favorable for the occurrence and spread of wildfires, but drought is not by itself a prerequisite for wildfires. Other weather factors, such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability, play a major role in determining the actual fire danger.
  • Orlando Weather News
Central Florida Weather Forecast for Friday Feb. 10, 2012

Increasing clouds and a rising rain chance across the entire area today.

Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow, Disappoints Crowd

Punxsutawney Phil has made his prognostication, and it's bad news for those who were looking forward to an early spring.

Farmers, manatees endure frosty night

As the sun rose on a chilly central Florida morning Wednesday, strawberry farmers ran sprinklers in hopes of insulating the tender fruit with water. Icicles

Snow at the FOX 35 studios

Temperatures dropped below freezing for several hours early Wednesday morning and snow fell at the FOX 35 studios in Lake Mary.

Cold weather safety tips

Another night of cold temperatures are expected for the Central Florida area. When temperatures drop, danger increases as people look for ways to heat their

Protecting plants in the cold

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for all of Central Florida tonight. The frigid temperatures can harm or even kill your plants. The

Freezing temperatures on the way

Forecasters are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark early Tuesday and Wednesday

Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories issued for some counties

Marion, Putnam and Alachua Counties are all under a Frost Advisory for the evening. Sumter, Citrus, Hernando and Levy Counties are under a Freeze Warning.

Year in wild weather 2011

From deadly tornadoes to wicked winter storms, folks all across the country had plenty to deal with in 2011.

Frost advisories issued

The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for parts of northern Florida. Frost is also expected as far south as Lake County.

Hurricane seasons ends, but Irene's effects remain

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season has ended and it's a study in contradiction.

Scott supports shrinking Fla. hurricane fund

Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday that he supports shrinking Florida's hurricane insurance backup fund even though that would raise premiums.

Subtropical Storm Sean forms southwest of Bermuda

Subtropical Storm Sean has developed midway between Bermuda and the Bahamas, but it is not currently any threat to land.

Hurricane Rina becomes a Category 2 storm

Hurricane Rina has strengthened to a Category 2 storm as it swirls off Central America's Caribbean coast.

Rina quickly becomes hurricane off Honduras

Forecasters say Rina has quickly strengthened into a hurricane off the coast of Honduras.

Sandbag Locations

In response to citizen concerns about potential flooding due to rainfall in the Central Florida area over the next 24 to 48 hours, many counties will be

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