Rainfall in the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) nearly doubled its annual average for the month of June with 12.12 inches dousing the region.

According to the SRWMD June Hydrologic Conditions Report released Tuesday, the average of 12.12 inches was nearly 80% higher than the average 6.74-inch average recorded between 1932-2022.

Even with the above-normal June rainfall, the 12-month period that ended on June 30 still reflected a 1.82-inch rainfall deficit. The June totals greatly reduced the deficit number, which was 9.37 inches below normal as of May 31.

The rainfall led to flooding in some areas and led to sinkholes opening up in Oakmont, a subdivision in Jonesville.

“This monthly report highlights rainfall, surface water and groundwater levels, a climate and drought outlook, as well as other scientific data that can be utilized to help educate the public about the impact rainfall has on North Florida,” the release stated.

Notable highlights from the month of June:  

• Most District counties received between 7 and 16 inches of rainfall on average, with areas of Dixie, Taylor, Levy, and Alachua counties receiving more than 19 inches of rain. 
• River gauges across the District finished the month in either the normal (25^th to 75^th percentile), above normal (75^{th –} 90^th percentile), or high (>90^th percentile) flow range. Both the Econfina and Steinhatchee gages had five consecutive days of daily record highs during the month. 
• Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) levels across the District reflect mainly normal or high (75^th to 90^th percentile) groundwater levels in June. Portions of Jefferson, Lafayette, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, and Gilchrist counties also saw levels in the extremely high (>90^th percentile range). Groundwater levels increased by a median of 1.2 feet since the end of May. 
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) three-month seasonal outlook favors above-normal temperatures and equal chances of normal or below-normal rainfall throughout the District from July through September. 

The full report can be found on the SRWMD website under the Science & Data tab. The data is normally updated on the second week of each month.