Today’s updated drought monitor shows some slight improvement in parts of Western Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties. Drought levels have been reduced from a Severe (D2) to a Moderate (D1) drought. Areas impacted include Indiantown.
Drought monitor comparison
Otherwise, all of Palm Beach County remains in a moderate (Eastern) to Severe (Western) drought. Coastal areas of the Treasure Coast from Vero Beach to Jensen Beach are in good shape.
The year to date rainfall numbers explain it very well. While Vero Beach has a marked surplus of rainfall, West Palm Beach has a deficit of more than 5 inches.
Lake Okeechobee remains more than 3 feet below the historical average. This is due to the ongoing severe drought all along the Kissimmee River Valley, the main waterway that feeds the lake.
