Central Florida Faces Severe Drought, 99% State Affected

Florida is experiencing a rapidly worsening drought, with nearly the entire state affected and extreme drought conditions spreading, particularly in Central and South Florida. Central Florida has seen areas of extreme drought expand, now covering a large section from Sumter County to the coast, and most of the region is under either severe or extreme drought due to one of the driest Aprils on record. In Palm Beach County, 81% of the area and 1.3 million residents are now facing extreme drought—the worst since 2011—with rainfall deficits nearing nine inches for the year and West Palm Beach recording its fifth driest April ever. The expansion of drought categories across the state is attributed to persistent lack of rainfall and above-average temperatures, which have increased evaporation and dried out vegetation. While water managers remain cautiously optimistic due to the approaching wet season, some ecosystems are at risk, and relief may come with expected rain showers in the coming days, though significant recovery will take time. Meteorologists warn that conditions could worsen further as May, historically a dry month for parts of Florida, continues.