A drought is when an area goes for a long time without enough rain, leading to dry grounds, low water levels, and increased wildfire risks. Drought conditions started to build across central Florida since last year and have really worsened over the past several weeks.
All of the state is experiencing some form of drought. The latest update shows an extreme level of drought for northern Florida including parts of Marion, Flagler, Sumter and Lake counties. The rest of central Florida is ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought levels.
It has been 25 years since Florida has been in a drought this bad. With no meaningful rain in the forecast, drought conditions are expected to persist and in some areas, worsen.
With ongoing drought conditions, wildfire concerns continue to grow. Several counties are under a burn ban until further notice due to exceptionally dry vegetation and an increased risk of fires spreading.
Months of below average rainfall, combined with persistent heat and low humidity, have left grasses, brush and wooded areas dangerously dry. When vegetation loses moisture, it becomes highly flammable with even just a small spark.
According to NOAA, in a one-month span, central Florida would need over 15″ of rainfall to end the drought. In a one-month span, central Florida would need over 20″ of rainfall to end the drought. Looking at the forecast, the dry weather will hold through the end of the week with the next chance for rain on Sunday.
With a few showers on Sunday, this will barely put a dent in the ongoing drought. Florida may be facing these dry conditions for an extended period.