JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The last time Duval County was in a level 4, exceptional drought, was in 2012 when highs reached 96 degrees twice – May 3 and July 26. The rainfall total that year was 53.44 inches.
So far in 2026, we’ve had seven days where the high temperature has been at least 90 degrees, and total rainfall since Jan. 1, 2026, is less than 4 inches.
These factors continue to exacerbate the ongoing drought, taking Duval County from extreme to exceptional in just a matter of one week.
Drought monitor 4/30/26
According to drought.gov, 100% of people in Duval County are affected by drought, and in 132 years, this year ranks as the ninth driest January through March, which is 5.3 inches below normal.
Bring on the rain
Lack of rainfall is the biggest factor.
From the National Weather Service in Jacksonville: the mid-April update states the ongoing drought at Jacksonville International Airport remains the all-time driest Aug. 25-April 15 (234 days) period on record, with only 12.04 inches of rainfall, which is 16.57 inches below the normal amount (28.61 inches) expected during this period.
Rainfall records date back to 1871 in Jacksonville.
Year to year numbers are below.
Rain deficit
The good news is that beneficial rainfall is in the forecast for the next 3-5 days, with 3-5 inches possible in some spots.
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