The annual normal precipitation for the period of 1911 through 1984 was .
During years with normal precipitation the growing season can be increased by an extra month or more by using harvesting pits.
"And I think forecasters are just predicting normal precipitation over the next few months."
In addition, weather forecasts for the next 90 days show a 55 percent chance of lower than normal precipitation and warm temperatures, officials said.
The region received 90 percent of its normal annual precipitation of 40 inches in the 12 months ended Sept. 30.
The 1984 image was taken during a prolonged drought, while the 2009 image follows a year of more normal precipitation.
The park got 2.6 inches less precipitation than normal from November through April.
In any event, northern and central Florida have had only a fraction of their normal precipitation this spring and early summer.
Now it appears there'll be higher than normal precipitation.
With normal precipitation, we wouldn't be directing releases in December.