Florida Drought Deepens Statewide as 83% of Florida Falls Into Moderate to Extreme Drought Conditions

FLORIDA — A worsening drought pattern is tightening its grip across Florida, with newly released data showing that 83% of the state is now classified within D1–D4 drought levels, a sharp increase from 77% just one week ago, signaling rapidly deteriorating moisture conditions statewide.

Drought Coverage Expands Across Nearly All of Florida

Updated drought monitoring maps show that nearly the entire state of Florida is experiencing some level of drought stress, ranging from moderate drought (D1) to severe and extreme drought (D2–D4). Only a very small portion of the state remains outside drought classification, highlighting how widespread and uniform the dry pattern has become.

The most notable expansion has occurred in north and central Florida, where drought intensity has deepened over the past week. Areas previously classified as abnormally dry have now transitioned into officially recognized drought categories, contributing to the statewide increase.

Sharp Week-to-Week Worsening Confirmed by Data

Comparative data between December 23 and December 30, 2025, reveals how quickly conditions have worsened:

• D1–D4 drought coverage increased from 77.49% to 83.25%
• Severe drought (D2–D4) expanded significantly
• Extreme drought indicators remain present, particularly in parts of northern Florida
• The state’s Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) jumped from 199 to 217, underscoring intensifying impacts

This rapid shift suggests Florida has entered a persistent dry phase, with insufficient rainfall to offset evaporation, soil moisture loss, and rising water demand.

Impacts Being Felt Across the Entire State

With drought conditions now impacting almost every region, agriculture, water resources, and wildfire risk are all coming under increased pressure. Dry soils, stressed vegetation, and low surface moisture are becoming increasingly common sights across Florida’s landscapes.

While drought intensity varies by region, no part of the state is completely unaffected, reinforcing concerns that continued dryness could compound impacts if meaningful rainfall does not arrive soon.

Rainfall Relief Needed — and Needed Soon

Meteorologists note that widespread, sustained rainfall — not brief or isolated showers — will be required to reverse current trends. Without it, drought classifications are likely to persist or worsen in the coming weeks.

Until that relief arrives, Florida remains locked in a statewide drought pattern, one that has already surpassed last week’s severity and continues to edge higher.

Florida residents, farmers, and land managers are urged to remain mindful of water use and fire conditions as the state waits for the meaningful rainfall it urgently needs.

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