SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK)—The Weather Authority reports that all of Southwest Florida is now in an extreme drought, with conditions worse than the beginning of the rainy season last May.
According to Meteorologist Zach Maloch, the latest update provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Drought Index now puts our area in the worst drought since March 2001.
Some statistics from the drought index indicate that 18.6 million Floridians are currently in areas of drought.
This is the 20th driest January on record since 1895, with around 1.35 inches of total precipitation, a 1.61-inch drop from the average.
The worsening drought is especially concerning because conditions are now drier than they were at the start of the rainy season last May, underscoring the persistent lack of rainfall across the region’s dry season.
Rainfall data from several Southwest Florida cities highlights the growing deficit. In Fort Myers, only 4.96 inches of rain have fallen since the dry season began. That puts the city 6.23 inches below normal, making it the 10th driest start to the dry season on record. Punta Gorda has seen even larger deficits, receiving just 4.53 inches of rain, which is 6.72 inches below normal and ranks as the 8th driest on record for this point in the season.
Naples has also experienced significantly below-average rainfall. Since the dry season began, the city has recorded 6.78 inches of rain, leaving it 3.15 inches below normal and tied for the 8th driest start to the dry season.
The lack of rain is increasing concerns across the region, particularly regarding wildfire risk and stressed vegetation. Dry grasses and brush, combined with warm temperatures and occasional breezes, can quickly lead to dangerous fire conditions.
Southwest Florida typically relies on the arrival of the summer rainy season to erase rainfall deficits that build up during the winter dry season. Until more consistent rainfall returns, drought conditions are expected to continue impacting the region.