New drought data shows conditions are improving across much of Florida, but parts of the Big Bend remain in the state’s most severe drought category, keeping wildfire concerns high as officials continue monitoring conditions.
Some recent rain has helped, but it has not been enough to erase months of drought. Chief Meteorologist Thomas Geoby said the share of Florida in the severe drought category has dropped, but significant dryness remains. “When it comes to the severe drought category 90% of Florida was in the severe drought category and the latest update is 70%. So again, we’re making progress, but in some places it’s been faster than others,” Geoby said.
While much of the state has seen improvement, the Big Bend remains one of Florida’s driest regions. So far this June, Tallahassee has picked up just a fraction of the rainfall it would normally see by this point in the month.
In May, Wakulla County Emergency Management Director Jennifer Nagy said wildfire risk was her biggest concern. “We’re actually kind of in a historical drought at this point. We haven’t seen droughts like this in a couple of decades and it is a concern for us for multiple reasons. Our biggest concern on the preparedness side is always the wildfire risk. We’ve had a really busy wildfire season across the state already,” Nagy said.
Days later, a wildfire broke out in Sopchoppy. It is now at 3,400 acres and 75% contained.
Forecasters say some relief may be on the way, but Geoby said it will take more than a few afternoon showers to reverse the dry stretch. “Hopefully as we move into the summer, we see more consistent daily showers and thunderstorms to kind of help along with any systems that we might get coming our way,” he said.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management says 88% of all wildfires are caused by people, and officials are urging residents to stay cautious.
Meteorologists say North Florida could see a better chance for widespread rainfall next week, which could help chip away at some of the remaining drought conditions.