Florida Drought Crisis Deepens: 99% of State Now Affected, 85% in Severe Conditions and 43% in Extreme Drought

FLORIDA — Nearly the entire state is now under drought conditions, with updated data showing 99% of Florida classified as experiencing drought. Even more concerning, 85% of the state is in severe drought, and 43% has reached extreme drought levels, signaling intensifying stress on water supplies, agriculture, and wildfire risk heading deeper into the dry season.

The updated map highlights widespread red and dark red shading across northern, central, and parts of southern Florida — representing severe and extreme drought categories. Only very small pockets of lighter shading remain across portions of the peninsula, showing how little of the state has avoided worsening dryness.

Severe and Extreme Drought Dominating the Map

The most intense drought conditions appear concentrated across:

• North Florida
• The Panhandle
• Large portions of Central Florida
• Interior sections of South Florida

Severe (red) and extreme (dark red) zones cover most counties, indicating prolonged rainfall deficits and drying soils. The extreme category — affecting 43% of the state — suggests critically low moisture levels, increased vegetation stress, and heightened fire danger.

Fire Season Concerns Growing

With such a high percentage of the state in severe and extreme drought, forecasters are warning that Florida could face a difficult fire season unless meaningful rainfall arrives soon. Dry vegetation combined with warm temperatures and gusty winds can create ideal conditions for brush fires and wildfires.

The current drought footprint increases the likelihood that:

• Wildfire risk will remain elevated
• Agricultural impacts may worsen
• Water restrictions could expand in some communities

Will Upcoming Rain Help?

Rain expected Sunday night may provide limited relief, but forecasters caution it will likely only help marginally unless multiple widespread soaking events follow. Short-term rainfall can temporarily dampen fire danger, but deeper soil moisture recovery requires consistent, steady precipitation over time.

Why This Matters Beyond Florida

While this drought is centered in Florida, extended dryness in the Southeast can have ripple effects, including:

• Strain on regional water resources
• Agricultural supply impacts
• Increased smoke concerns if fires develop

Drought conditions this widespread also raise questions about seasonal climate patterns heading into spring.

Florida remains locked in one of its most widespread drought episodes in recent memory for early February. Unless a wetter pattern develops soon, concerns about wildfire potential and long-term impacts will likely continue to grow. For continued updates on major weather developments affecting communities across the country, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com.